Undergraduate Studies UpdateDid You Know about the PREP Program?
THE UMD PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT RECEIVED GRANT FUNDING TO CREATE THE PREP PROGRAM FOR UNDERREPRESENTED RACIAL MINORITY PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS
What motivated the development of the PREP Program? The undergraduate student body in the
U.S. continues to grow increasingly diverse. Participation in important co-curricular experiences such as research and teaching assistantships remains quite low for our Black and Latino/Latina students. Over the past 5 years, only 9% of research assistants and 10% of teaching assistants in our undergraduate psychology program identified as Black, and only 6% of research assistants and 9% of teaching assistants identified as Latino/Latina. Participation in these experiences allows students to demonstrate skill in these areas, connect with faculty mentors, and obtain strong letters of recommendation. These outcomes are critically important for success at the undergraduate level and for securing most post-baccalaureate goals, including graduate study in psychology.
What are the purposes of the PREP Program? (1) Engage underrepresented minority students in research early in their first year in college, (2) Facilitate positive relationships between minority students, faculty, advisors, and peers, and (3) Prepare minority students to pursue doctoral level education.
Who is enrolled in the PREP Program? 19 African American and Latino first and second year undergraduates majoring in Psychology
Who funds the PREP Program? The Moving Maryland Forward grant, the Department of Psychology and BSOS
PREP Highlights
• All students met individually with at least three faculty members and one advisor
• 12 students were accepted to work as research assistants in psychology labs
• Involvement increased in student groups (e.g., Multicultural Association for Psychology Students) and departmental activities in which students of color are underrepresented (e.g., study abroad, social events, undergraduate research showcase)
• 13 students are enrolled in a research course in which they learn to identify a research question, conduct a literature review, develop research methods, analyze/interpret data • 13 students will present their research at Undergraduate Research Day
