Developing a Compassionate Community Award

Purpose

The "Developing a Compassionate Community" award provides an opportunity to apply the principles of psychology in a way that will enhance and better the community. The purpose is to promote altruism and to build a compassionate community through the use of applied psychology. Because psychological and social problems continue to decrease quality of life, the application of the scientific principles of psychology in the service of the betterment of humanity can provide solutions. Furthermore, students who engage in such activities may be better prepared for productive careers in psychology. This award will be given to individuals or groups of undergraduate or graduate students in the field of psychology at CCSU who devise and implement an original community project that promotes health, well-being, and principles that encourage people to interact with others in a compassionate, wise, and sustainable way.

Details

Up to two stipends in the amount of $500 dollars will be awarded.

Criteria

Projects must be originated by the student(s) and be developed/implemented in consultation with a faculty member in Psychological Science. It is not required that students work in a group or team, although working in teams is encouraged. The size of the team may be up to 5 students. The project must be completed or in progress at the time of the award. The project should be one of applied psychology. Thus, the applicant(s) should make use of psychological principles, theories, research and evidence-based action to address problems in any area of life such as mental health, education, health, community, or law. Further, the effectiveness of the project should be assessed using measurable outcomes.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Students must be a documented Psychology major at CCSU.
  • Undergraduate applicants must have completed at least 30 credit hours at CCSU. At least 12 credits must be from Psychology courses.
  • Graduate student applicants must have completed at least 9 credits from graduate level Psychology courses at CCSU.
  • Students must be enrolled full-time at CCSU during the semesters in which they are applying.
  • Students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) above 2.0.

Application Process

To apply, students must submit a typed and double-spaced project summary that includes:

  • description of the project (i.e., what the project is meant to accomplish, the target population served by this project; any agencies with whom you are collaborating, etc.);
  • rationale for why this project is important to the community;
  • methodology (e.g., the specific features of the project and how it is implemented);
  • analysis of how psychological principles are used in the project (i.e., theories or principles underlying how you conceived, designed, implemented, and/or assessed the project);
  • demonstrated outcomes (or plan of assessment);

Students must also submit two letters of sponsorship. One letter must be from a faculty sponsor who can comment on the quality of the project. The other letter is from a community contact that provides information regarding impact of the program within the community and applicants’ degree of professionalism and compassion in carrying out the project.

Inquiries

Any questions about the project should be directed to Dr. Matthew Heinly, email: heinly@ccsu.edu.