PSCA Updates
By Judith Bookhamer | February 2019
PSCA is undertaking several projects through the end of the school year that provide opportunities for members and the school counseling profession In Pennsylvania.
2019 marks the sixth year that the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association has offered a $1,000 scholarship opportunity to a student pursuing a postsecondary education. Applicants must be seniors, graduating in the spring of 2019. The scholarship affords students an opportunity to recognize a school counselor who has made a difference to their academic, career and/or social/emotional development. Over the five years of the scholarship, students have written compelling stories of how school counselors have positively influenced their development.
Access the application and requirements on the PSCA website. Applications are due March 15. Direct questions to Nicole Levis, PSCA Scholarship Committee chair, at 412-847-0940 or nlevis@avonworth.k12.pa.us.
As part of its advocacy initiative, the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association continues to offer two grants of up to $500 each for the establishment of a Buddy Bench at an elementary or middle school.
The Buddy Bench is a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the school playground that was proposed in 2013 by Christian, a student at Roundtown Elementary School in York, Penn. The idea grew when the local newspaper and then the Huffington Post published stories about the Buddy Bench. NBC and other media aired the story and Buddy Benches caught the attention of schools across North America. Learn more about Buddy Benches and their evolution.
Eligibility Criteria:
PSCA’s High School Senior Scholarship
Essay topic: How has a school counselor made a difference in your academic, career, and/or social/emotional development?2019 marks the sixth year that the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association has offered a $1,000 scholarship opportunity to a student pursuing a postsecondary education. Applicants must be seniors, graduating in the spring of 2019. The scholarship affords students an opportunity to recognize a school counselor who has made a difference to their academic, career and/or social/emotional development. Over the five years of the scholarship, students have written compelling stories of how school counselors have positively influenced their development.
Access the application and requirements on the PSCA website. Applications are due March 15. Direct questions to Nicole Levis, PSCA Scholarship Committee chair, at 412-847-0940 or nlevis@avonworth.k12.pa.us.
Buddy Bench Grants for Elementary and Middle School Counselors
As part of its advocacy initiative, the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association continues to offer two grants of up to $500 each for the establishment of a Buddy Bench at an elementary or middle school.The Buddy Bench is a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the school playground that was proposed in 2013 by Christian, a student at Roundtown Elementary School in York, Penn. The idea grew when the local newspaper and then the Huffington Post published stories about the Buddy Bench. NBC and other media aired the story and Buddy Benches caught the attention of schools across North America. Learn more about Buddy Benches and their evolution.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Elementary and middle school counselors who are professional members of PSCA may apply.
- All school counselors at the applying school must be professional members of PSCA.
- The completed application in pdf form must be submitted via email to PSCA at pscaoffice@gmail.com no later than 6:00 p.m., March 31, 2019.
- The applicant must agree that if awarded the grant, recognition of PSCA’s contribution to the Buddy Bench will be placed in some way on the Bench.
- The recipient gives permission to PSCA to publish information about the grant award.
Webinars
PSCA has initiated a four-part webinar series featuring Bernard “Bernie” Hoffman, addressing strategies that support safe and effective practice. Two webinars have already been offered, and the final two will be scheduled in March and May. Watch the PSCA website and the PSCA eXTRA for specific dates and registration opportunities.Save the Date!
PSCA’s 64th Annual Conference is scheduled for November 21-22, 2019 in Pittsburgh. It’s been 20 years since the PSCA Conference has been in Pittsburgh and there is great excitement about the opportunities the location presents.