who are willing to share their knowledge, expertise, and the guidance that is so needed in my pursuit of counseling as a second career.” Thomas is a master’s degree candidate in SC State’s Rehabilitation Counseling Program. She also is director of operations and community development at the James E. Clyburn Scholarship & Research Foundation and a board member at the Samaritan House. She said those roles have deepened her dedication to community service.
With a background in English and a current internship at the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, Thomas is eager to leverage the skills and knowledge she gains through the HBCU LEAP program.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as a participant in the HBCU L.E.A.P. Program at Clark Atlanta University,” Thomas said. “This opportunity aligns perfectly with my commitment to advancing the field of mental and behavioral health and supporting underserved communities.
“I am excited to collaborate with fellow leaders to make a lasting impact in the behavioral health field,” she said.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, the graduate students will be required to:
– Conduct two 20-minute presentations on behavioral health related topics to a group of ten or more undergraduates that attend HBCUs.
- Meet with an assigned mentor at least twice during
the academic year.
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Attend virtual professional development webinars.
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Create content for the HBCU LEAP social media/ digital platforms.
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Submit required documentation of activities.
Hollis said the scholarship is evidence of the SC State Department of Human Services’ impact in preparing graduate students for success in counseling and addressing needs across underserved communities.
For more information about SC State’s Counselor Education Program, email Dr. Antoinette Hollis at ahollis4@scsu.edu.For more information about the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, email Dr. Bridget Hollis Staten at bhollis@scsu.edu.
