ACCCCS Diversity Scholar Program

ACCCCS is committed to increasing knowledge and promoting clinically responsive services to populations representing various aspects of diversity. The Diversity Scholar Program is one way we help promote the diversity and inclusion of underrepresented populations in the ACCCCS membership.

Program:

Two award recipients will have the opportunity to attend and participate in the ACCCCS Annual Conference.  The conference provides an opportunity to develop skills and knowledge related to clinical administration in college and university counseling centers and to network with those currently in clinical director/coordinator positions. 

Diversity Scholar Recipients will receive waived conference registration and will be provided a stipend check of $2000.00 (to cover for travel, hotel, and food expenses) after their conference presentation).

Diversity award recipients will provide a conference program about a topic which will educate the ACCCCS membership about diversity issues as related to clinical practice or the administration of clinical practice. The conference program may be co-presented by recipients or the recipients may share the allotted program time for unrelated presentations.

Award recipients will also be paired with a Clinical Director/Coordinator mentor, who has strong interest in/commitment to the promotion of diversity within Counseling Center work, as a conference “buddy.”

Eligibility:

1) 2 years of post-degree counseling center experience

2) Interest in or aspiration to become a clinical director/coordinator.  No previous experience in a formal position as the primary clinical director/coordinator of the center and no previous or current membership in ACCCCS.

3) Personal identification with an underrepresented or marginalized group, including but not limited to such areas as race/ethnicity, ability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, first generation college student, experience with being undocumented either through self or family, and veteran status. 

4) Demonstrated commitment to diversity through professional work

Application process: The application for 2025 is closed. 

Applicants should have the following materials ready to upload when completing the application form: 

1) Curriculum vitae

2) Personal statement which addresses:

• How the ACCCCS Diversity Scholar Program would enhance career objectives
• How diversity has influenced your career, particularly in clinical practice or clinical administration
• Demonstrated commitment to the clinical aspects of Counseling Center work and any related formal or informal leadership
• How issues of diversity have been implemented in your work, especially any work informing center-wide clinical practices

3) One letter of recommendation from your institution’s clinical director.  

• The clinical director should notify the center’s director of the nomination to provide positive recognition for the candidate and to obtain approval that, if selected, the candidate would attend the conference.

Selection Criteria and Selection Process:

Candidates’ applications will be reviewed by the Diversity Scholar Program Committee with attention to the following:

• Applicant’s personal statement
• A letter of recommendation from your clinical director  
• Contributions and commitment to diversity as related to clinical practice and clinical administration
• Readiness to benefit from the Diversity Scholar Program

If you have questions, please contact Saúl Rivera at [email protected].