C
hoosing what, where to study, or what career to pursue are life-altering decisions. For a young person on the verge of making one of the most critical decisions for their future, getting closer to a profession to understand it better can be helpful. This past summer, a group of public school students had this valuable opportunity, which allowed them to delve into psychology to explore the possibility of pursuing post-secondary studies in the mental health field.
“we offered them the opportunity to experience university life”
The 20 students participating in this experience were part of Albizu’s Advancing Professionals and Mental Health Services Program (APSSA) summer academy. The program, which was free for participants, offered educational workshops, lectures, and group activities to familiarize students with the mental health sciences. The project allowed students to complete a foundational course in psychology and participate in laboratory practice as part of an effort to set them on a path toward a professional future in these disciplines.
“We selected students from public schools across Puerto Rico with good academic standing and interest in psychology and mental health. Through this program, we offered them the opportunity to experience university life. They were able to study fundamental concepts of psychology, to encourage a passion for service to others and motivate them to continue their studies in mental health,” explained Gabrielle Ruiz, the program director.
“the most valuable part was getting to know the university and hearing testimonies from different professors about their work experience”
The educational experience included discussions with representatives from various graduate programs, which shed light on the diversity of fields within psychology and the requirements for professional development. The young participants also participated in mental health workshops, discussed student life challenges, analyzed popular culture materials from a psychological perspective, and engaged in practice sessions focused on research methods.
“The program served as a tool to explore what psychology is and to raise awareness about mental health. This experience was necessary as a student since I plan to continue my studies in this field. The most valuable part was getting to know the university and hearing testimonies from different professors about their work experience,” said Kevin Ferrán, a high school student who participated in the program.
Completing the program can also represent the formal start of university studies for these students, as those who decide to enroll in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree with a Concentration in Psychology at Albizu University are awarded three credits for completing the foundational psychology course. Additionally, students receive a $1,000 stipend to support their living expenses while preparing for university studies.
“It was a very educational program. It was a safe place to be ourselves with new people and understand fundamental aspects of psychology. I am extremely grateful, as it is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” said Diego Martínez, a student who completed the program this summer.
“being part of the program as a pioneering group meant the beginning of our preparation as future researchers and mental health professionals”
The APSSA program also allowed 20 students from the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree with a Concentration in Psychology at the San Juan Campus and Mayagüez University Center of Albizu University to complete an introductory Data Science course to advance their university careers. Epidemiologist Alex Cabrera Serrano, a scientist and educator with extensive experience in Data Science, taught the course. Throughout the program, students were guided in developing data-driven research on behavioral risk factors collected by the Department of Health. The program includes a final project in which students create a poster displaying the findings of their work. The poster will be displayed at the Research Forum organized by Albizu University. These students also received a $2,000 stipend to support their expenses while pursuing their university studies.
“Being part of the program as a pioneering group meant the beginning of our preparation as future researchers and mental health professionals in Puerto Rico. The commitment of everyone made the experience very pleasant, full of knowledge and skills that prepared us for the future,” said Nicole M. Ortiz Ávila, a student of Albizu University’s Bachelor’s in Psychology program.
The APSSA program results from a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to Albizu University in 2023 to promote and expand the training of professionals in behavioral sciences. This summer research program is part of the university’s initiatives to encourage career exploration in psychology at early stages, such as in high school. The project includes initiatives such as offering scholarships for professional certifications and providing stipends for internships in some of its graduate programs to identify and develop future mental health professionals in Puerto Rico’s schools.
“We are looking for more people who want to serve the community, who can understand how collective and individual problems affect our emotional health, and who want to contribute to improving people’s lives. Through this effort, we aim to reach young people who feel that calling because they understand our society needs them,” concluded the program director. For more information about Albizu’s Advancing Professionals and Mental Health Services Program, contact 787-725-6500, ext. 1620, 1621, or email APSSA@albizu.edu.
