Psychology students attend Annual MCA Conference
The Department of Education & Psychology encourages students to seek learning opportunities beyond the classroom, thus providing them with a broader understanding of coursework, activities associated with their career interests, and real-life experiences that prepare them for the work they will engage in after degree completion. The department’s success in providing quality education hinges on our ability to offer our students the capability of both transferring course knowledge into practice and engaging our students in experiential learning. Thus, a priority need for the department is funding to assist our students in their efforts for experiential learning through community activities.
Recently, seven psychology major students were awarded the opportunity to attend the Mississippi Counseling Association’s mental health conference being hosted in Jackson, MS, on November 5-7th, 2014. Six students were awarded a grant from the Alcorn State University Foundation to assist in travel accommodations and one student attended the conference unfunded using personal accommodations.
The contribution from the Alcorn State University Foundation allowed the students the opportunity to attend the conference, to have first-hand experience in the facilitation of conference activities, to meet professionals in the mental health community and finally to participate in learning through the observance of conference presentations. The impact of this alternative learning opportunity was unlimited and allowed students the opportunity to utilize knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a way that will enhance their overall development immensely.
The Department of Education & Psychology believes that this opportunity is consistent with the mission of both the department and Alcorn State University to provide the highest quality of academic learning to our students. The students awarded this opportunity include: Alyssa Brown (Senior), Raven Stewart (Senior), Rakeem Washington (Senior), Ajasha Long (Senior), Riyana Marshall (Senior), Yolanda Jackson (Junior), and Justin Knight (Junior).