Michael Serrano, and Julia Pichardo, Advanced Standing clinical practice students in the MSW Program, have received Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Now is the Time: Minority Fellowship Program (MFP)– Youth Fellowship awards. Through this highly competitive funding and training fellowship, these students will develop expertise in mental health services to at-risk children and youth (adolescents and young adults aged 16-25) in underserved minority communities. The purpose of the MFP-Youth Fellowship program is to reduce health disparities and improve behavioral health outcomes for racially and ethnically diverse populations by increasing the number of culturally competent behavioral health professionals serving children, adolescents, and transition-aged youth. The MFP-Y program provides stipends to graduate students to increase the number of culturally competent behavioral health professionals who provide direct mental health and/or co-occurring substance abuse services to underserved minority populations. Mr. Serrano and Ms. Pichardo will be mentored by Dr. Manny J. González, Associate Professor at Silberman, who will provide them with clinical mentorship as they embark on promising behavioral health careers. In addition to this award, Mr. Serrano also received the Promising Futures in Clinical Social Work MSW scholarship by The Therapist Development Center. These scholarships are awarded to only ten 2nd year MSW students across the country who demonstrate strong clinical skills and a commitment to clinical social work.
The community I felt with both colleagues and faculty as a student were priceless. Maintaining those relationships years after graduation is simply a gift. Attending Hunter was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I'll always be grateful for the experiences I had.