School Psychology Essay Competition
As you know, there is a shortage of school psychologists nationwide, yet most undergraduate psychology students have never heard of school psychology. To increase awareness of the field and to increase our visibility we are establishing the School Psychology Research Award Program. Under this program, undergraduate students from colleges and universities across the nation will be invited to compete for the School Psychology Research Award, sponsored by the TAMU SPSY program. There is no requirement that applicants apply to a School Psychology Program (at Texas A&M or elsewhere).
Students compete for the award by writing an essay on one of several topics related to school psychology (e.g., Why are schools an important setting for implementing programs to prevent mental and emotional disorders? What is the role of parental and familial involvement in children's school success?). The winner of the essay contest wins a $1000 cash prize upon matriculation into any graduate program in psychology.
We hope that this program will first of all increase the awareness of undergraduate psychology students about school psychology, and second, that it will trigger an interest in the SPSY program here. Where do the monies come from? Gifts from graduates, faculty, and friends that are designated for this award will be used for this purpose. Checks made out to TAMU can be sent to Cynthia A. Riccio, Ph.D., 4225 TAMU, Department of Educational Psychology, College Station, TX 77843-4225 and should note the award in the memorandum area.
Essay Competition Annoucement & Form
Congratuations Kelly Lyell! She recieved the 2009 TAMU Undergraduate Essay Competition Award.
"I just wanted to express my gratitude for this generous award-I think that the Undergraduate Essay Competition is a fantastic idea to raise awareness of the field of school psychology and I had a great time researching for my essay! I am currently a senior at Northern Illinois University and will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Spanish in May. I have always loved psychology, and I started researching the field of school psychology last year when I began working in a school psychology lab for a professor in our department. In fact, I am very excited to begin a doctoral program for School Psychology at Northern Illinois University this fall! I am the first woman in my family to graduate from college, and the first person in my family to pursue a graduate degree. This award will help allow me to continue my education and pursue my dream of being a school psychologist!"
