Conclusion The reports of the five federal agencies discussed above, clearly indicate their interest and commitment to broader participation of ethnic minorities in mental health careers and research. National data are beginning to be collected and analyzed that serve to enhance our understanding of both the source of ethnic minority underrepresentation and the strategies that are most likely to increase such representation. Despite differences in perspective and strategies among the agencies, a theory and technology of ethnic minority recruitment, retention and training is emerging. Hopefully, the growing body of data and experience will facilitate increased inter-agency coordination and the development of a coordinated national strategy related to the broader participation of ethnic minorities and other underrepresented groups in science and related academic, service and research activities. Shelby Siegel is a junior at The George W ashington University. She is a psychology major. She is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. She spent two past summers working as a camp counselor and teaching assistant for elementary school-aged children at the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. She spent another summer working with pre-school children at the Crested Butte Creative Arts Camp in Crested Butte, Colorado. Shelby is also fluent in French.
Accreditation Bodies and Diversity Standards Shelby Siegel OEMA Intern – The George W ashington University Mariam Abushanab OEMA Intern – George Mason University Bertha G. Holliday, PhD Senior Director, OEMA Accreditation bodies, which are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, are responsible for ensuring that institutions adhere to standards that guarantee the best educational experiences for students, faculty and administration. This typically occurs through self-review and peer-review of quality assurance standards. Diversity/multiculturalism is a standard that is increasingly used in the accreditation process. This article discusses varying views on standards for assessing the quality of ethnic minority representation and diversity in graduate training and education of several accreditation agencies associated with professional psychology and counseling training programs. -XXXII-
Mariam Abushanab