The Department of Psychology and Sociology has named Grand Mental Health as their Internship Partner of the Year for the 2021-2022 academic year. Allie Craig, Internship & Practicum Coordinator, was presented with the award at the Executive Office Building in Claremore.
The award recognizes an outstanding internship partner organization that exemplifies the mission of enhancing student learning through pre-career experience in environmental, community and human services work.
The award recipient agency must demonstrate dedication to working cooperatively with RSU psychology and sociology students, providing exceptional oversight and mentorship, and impacting student learning and development to promote career readiness.
The Internship Partner of the Year Award recipient is chosen (via committee) using the following criteria:
- Demonstration of dedication to working cooperatively with RSU’s Department of Psychology and Sociology students, staff, and/or administrators;
- Provision of exceptional oversight and mentoring to internship students in the Department of Psychology and Sociology;
- Documentation of impact on student learning and development that promotes career readiness.
Internships not only benefit students but host agencies as well; including the provision of additional resources to clients, impacting the future through guiding experiences and the generation of new ideas.
Student interns nominating Grand Mental Health for the award had the following to say about them.
“Every single staff member I encountered showed interest in my success and offered me support. Several even offered to write letters of recommendation for me and gave me contact information if I had any questions post-internship. I shadowed at three different clinics and received that level of support and encouragement at each one. I was included in everything that was going on. Those I shadowed offered me so many opportunities to learn and made themselves available to me.”
“This experience has been so rewarding for me professionally and personally. I am so glad that RSU does this for bachelor’s level students. Those I shadowed commented that they wished this opportunity had been available to them. The GLMH staff is fantastic. The internship coordinator, Allie Craig, is such a great person. She made things happen for me and she made sure that things went right and that I was having a good experience wherever she sent me.”
“Grand Mental Health was able to teach me so much in both internships I and II. I was able to experience both adult and children’s counseling. Both taught me about what to expect in my future career.”
“The GMH staff and site were very welcoming and made sure that I was in an environment to succeed. I felt comfortable and like I was truly learning and making a difference.”
“They really go above and beyond to ensure the intern is getting the experience they want.”
“My supervisor met with me weekly and provided care coordinators for me to shadow. I learned so much! Everyone was so nice! We had lunch together on Friday, and became Facebook friends giving us connections for the future.”