The J. Derek McNeil Scholars Project

Vision

Jesus established a community which grows and thrives by cultivating the diversity of human embodiment. An essential part of the holy community that develops out of relationship with the Incarnate Christ is a diversity of human experiences and contexts. This community is described in Revelation 7:9 as the great multitude “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages”, and in this picture of the day when all creation is restored, no ethnicity is excluded.

The J. Derek McNeil Scholars Project exists to provide doctoral students of color in professional mental health programs with a two-year system of mentoring. The goal of the Scholars project is to support the development of a robust pipeline of faculty and graduate students that enhance CAPS International with their scholarship and expertise and to contribute to a greater representation of the diverse world of the Kingdom of God in the mental health field.

Mission

Provide formal networking, mentoring, and professional development focusing on the completion of academic requirements and their entrance into professional roles.

Promote opportunities to advance their academic and professional careers through attending the CAPS conference and presenting original scholarship including research, clinical case studies, and theoretical work.

Connect students with faculty, staff, peers and scholar alumni to develop an ongoing network of support for their long term academic and professional goals. Our mission is to connect mentors from culturally diverse backgrounds and experiences who have successfully navigated culturally specific barriers in professional counseling and psychology to come alongside students who may experience similar challenges.

Expectations

Scholar Expectations:

  • Attend the annual CAPS conference for both years as a scholar
  • Present with mentor or present original research at a CAPS International Conference
  • Maintain open and timely communication with their mentor
  • Prepare to serve as a mentor for future J. Derek McNeil Scholars

Sponsoring Institution Expectations:

  • Nominate potential J. Derek McNeil Scholars
  • Assist with recruiting qualified faculty mentors
  • Partner with CAPS through regular contributions to the CAPS International Student Scholarship Fund
Contact Us for More Information
Donate to the McNeil Scholars Fund

FAQs

Doctoral students of color in professional mental health programs who express commitment to the integration of faith and professional studies in mental health and who have been nominated by a sponsoring institution.

Faculty or deans may nominate one or more students. Nominee applications will be reviewed by the CAPS McNeil Scholars Advisory Board. A McNeil Scholars Advisory Board representative will notify successful applicants and pair them with a qualified mentor.

Any institution who wishes to nominate a student outside of professional mental health programs will need to present a special request to the McNeil Scholars Advisory Board to accept the nominated student. The McNeil Scholars Advisory Board reserves the right to consider these requests on a case-by-case basis.

No.

The McNeil Scholars Advisory Board recruits faculty from culturally diverse backgrounds and experiences in professional mental health programs from institutions throughout the U.S. to serve two-year terms as mentors. Mentor applications are reviewed by the McNeil Scholars Advisory Board to ensure alignment with the program mission and vision. Additionally, students are encouraged to suggest mentors with whom they would like to work.

The benefits of the J. Derek McNeil Scholars program for scholars include increased opportunities for enhancing professional visibility through presenting research, networking with colleagues and other professionals, and receiving mentoring support for academic and career success.

Mentoring Guide

Download the Mentoring Guide