The College of Education recently received three grants to help graduate and doctoral students continue their research without the worry of bills.
The money was given by the U.S. Department of Education in August and set aside for graduate and doctoral students who want to specialize in helping secondary school students with autism and severe emotional and behavioral problems.
Elaine Clark, a grant director for the department of educational psychology, praised the program as an unprecedented opportunity for her associates to prepare psychologists for academic and school settings.
“There is a tremendous need for school psychology practitioners and faculty,” Clark said. “Faculty shortages are particularly acute right now as many individuals who entered the field in the ’70s are retiring, leaving numerous unfilled positions in universities.”
Because of the high demand, many graduate students are being hired right out of school.
“Graduates of our school psychology program have no problems securing employment,” Clark said. “In fact, I cannot recall one student not getting a position in the field. Our master’s and doctoral programs are very strong, and graduates are prepared to hit the pavement running once they graduate.”
Clark said the department is accustomed to only getting one grant at a time, but getting three is an amazing feat that keeps her and William Jenson, another grant director for the department of educational psychology, busy.
The grant money, which is about $2.2 million total, gives up to 40 students a four-year stipend of about $15,000 to $17,000 in tuition funding to continue their research. Clark said two of the grants require students to participate in intensive research and specialized courses that revolve around autism. The other requires graduate students to establish research methodology for students with emotional and behavioral disturbances.
William Backner, one of the grant’s recipients, said the money has helped him significantly.
“The grant has enabled me to focus on my studies more and worry about working at a job less,” Backner said. “I still have a job for professional development reasons and because extra money is always nice. However, my job alone would not cover my living expenses.”
Backner said he plans to work in secondary schools and eventually open up his own private practice.
Mikala Saccoman, another recipient, said the grant has allowed him to work at the Carmen B. Pingree School for Children with Autism, a specialized school for education of students with autism.
“This is a unique opportunity in that this is a treatment and research facility on the cutting edge for autism education,” Saccoman said.
Clark said the grant opportunities this year have already been filled, but they are accepting applications for next year. For more information on the grants, contact the department of educational psychology at 801-581-7148.