Washington Adventist University Graduate Student Wins Project ASCEND Scholars Award
Takoma Park, MD (March 23, 2016) Carmelys Vincent, a Washington Adventist University graduate student who is earning her master’s degree in professional counseling psychology, was recently named as a winner of a Project ASCEND Scholars Award. The award, which will be presented later this spring, carries a $1,000 scholarship and the opportunity to meet with members of Congress.
Project ASCEND was founded five years ago to provide higher education opportunities for disabled and low-income youth. The non-profit organization funds women’s education programs, supports mentorship groups and literacy programs, and has sponsored initiatives that have reached young people living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, West Africa and Central America. The program is made probable by the Advocates in Disability Award Program, and is funded by the HSC Foundation and the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. This year’s program will provide five $1,000 college scholarships to students with disabilities.
“This award means a lot to me, not just because the scholarship funds will help pay for living expenses, but also because I am a Haitian American woman who will be able to meet a body of Congressional leaders who make legislative decisions every day,” said Vincent.
She is scheduled to graduate from Washington Adventist University in May 2017 with a master’s degree in Professional Counseling Psychology. Following graduation and 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, Vincent will be eligible to take the state of Maryland licensure exam to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (L.C.P.C.).
Carmelys Vincent credits her educational success to the Washington Adventist University School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS), which has provided her with a firm foundation of knowledge in her program area, as well as a clear understanding of the biblical, practical and theoretical aspects of professional counseling psychology. She also points to the university’s supportive environment, which has helped her through the financial aid process and has given her all the appropriate tools needed to stay on track and graduate on time.
Vincent’s plans for the future include opening her own counseling practice where she can “be a disciple of Christ in helping others” as a licensed clinical professional counselor.
For more information about the Washington Adventist School of Graduate and Professional Studies, go to wau.edu/sgps or call 301-891-4092.
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Washington Adventist University is Montgomery County’s only four-year private college. Part of the Seventh-day Adventist system of higher education, Washington Adventist University has been educating college students since 1904 on a 19-acre campus in suburban Takoma Park, close to the nation’s capital. Approximately 1,100 students of all faiths participate in the university’s nine graduate and 31 undergraduate programs. The 2016 edition of U.S. News & World Report ranked Washington Adventist University among the best regional colleges in the north.
Media Contacts:
Angie Crews, 301-891-4134, acrews@wau.edu
Donna Bigler, 240-286-1169, dbigler@wau.edu