Project Underrepresented Students in Psychology and Allied Sciences (USPAS)
DISMANTLING BARRIERS THROUGH INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY BUILDING
ABOUT
Project USPAS (Underrepresented Students in Psychology & Allied Sciences), an open science initiative led by underrepresented students for underrepresented students aimed at empowering and providing support to marginalized students from the global south in the field of Psychology & Allied Sciences. Our guiding principle is to break down barriers by fostering an inclusive community and promoting transparency. The academic barriers marginalized students from low and middle-income countries (LMICs) face are deeply rooted in systemic issues. These issues include the lack of research infrastructure, limited funding opportunities, and hidden curricula within academia. Consequently, the academic landscape becomes opaque and inequitable for these students.
THE ISSUE
The academic barriers faced by marginalized students from low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are deeply rooted in systemic issues. These issues include the lack of research infrastructure, limited funding opportunities, and hidden curricula within academia. Consequently, the academic landscape becomes opaque and inequitable for these students.
Recognizing the challenges faced by underrepresented students, particularly first-generation students and those from non-academic families in lower-middle-income countries, Project USPAS acknowledges the importance of mentorship. Mentorships play a crucial role in supporting students by helping them navigate the hidden curriculum and other structural inequities present in the education system.
WHAT WE OFFER
Mentorship
Behind great achievers there are great mentors! We believe diversity & inclusivity in research can only occur when everyone has equal access. Hence, finding a good mentor is crucial for international students, especially from underrepresented communities. USPAS provides mentorship for applying to research assistant positions, both virtual and in-person and different research related opportunities.
P.S We will soon be announcing the mentorship program and opening it for mentors and mentees to sign up, stay tuned!
Workshops
We have passionate and qualified individuals ready to deliver informational workshops catering to the needs of the underrepresented students. From building your academic CV to finding RA-ships, we have it all. You can access our workshop material in the Resources section. Additionally, we aim to promote open science practices and look forward to making research accessible and reproducible.
Supportive Spaces and Networking
Life has its ups and downs, navigating opportunities comes with its frustrations. USPAS provides a safe inclusive space for connecting with peers and sharing about frustrations, especially for those from Global South.
Resources
Looking for labs to apply to? Wish to attend/present at international conferences? Need email templates for applications? USPAS creates and compiles resources helpful for underrepresented students to navigate academia.