The OSPA Paul Warden & Mary Jo Keatley Graduate Studies Awards were established in 1998 to recognize and provide financial support to students in school psychology training programs in the state of Oklahoma. These awards were developed in response to our professional commitment to encourage promising students to complete a school psychology program. Awards are presented to those individuals interested in pursuing a degree or certification in School Psychology.

Each candidate must submit a completed application, a resume, a copy of current transcripts, a professional statement, and one letter of recommendation. A committee from the OSPA board will review all completed applications using the specified criteria. Recommendations for selection will be provided to all voting OSPA board members who will then make the final nominee selections. Selection criteria will not be solely limited to written application forms. Information from other professionals in the field will also be considered in the final selection of the two candidates.

Monetary awards will be presented annually in the amount of $1,000 to the two selected students, who must furnish proof of enrollment to the selection committee. Candidates who complete the application process will also receive a one-year student membership in OSPA. Recipients of the awards will be acknowledged at the annual OSPA spring conference.

For further information regarding the award procedure you may contact:

Kyla Rechlin
OSPA Awards, Honors, & Scholarships Committee
9900 Weathers Brook Ln.
Edmond, OK 73025

krechlin@sbcglobal.net

(405) 514-7515

Applications are available from program directors at the University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, East Central University and Northeastern University. Completed applications, resumes, transcripts, and letters of reference must be received no later than February 1, 2008 for consideration of the 07-08 awards.

AWARD CRITERIA FOR CANDIDATES

A Admittance to a School Psychology Program in the state of Oklahoma. This insures that all other priorities have been met such as GRE scores, strong grade point average, & Bachelors Degree.

B. Applicants must submit these items:

• A resume describing scholastic, work, and civic activities
• A current transcript
• A statement of professional goals and future plans
• One or more letters of recommendation

An interview with an OSPA board member may be required.

C.  Applicants should submit the completed form to the selection committee by February 1, 2008. Applicants need to be enrolled for the following semester, which can include the one-year school psychology internship. Verification is not needed at the time of application.

D.  Prior to issuing the monetary award, verification of enrollment in a state program of School Psychology is required. The intent of the award is to encourage completion of School Psychology certification or degree.

E.  Applicants need to be Members of OSPA and will receive a one-year student membership in OSPA the following year.

F.  No applications will be given priority status. The selection committee will decide on each individual application. Awards are open to everyone, and race or ethnicity is not given a priority.

G.  Award Recipients may receive the award one time only.

H.  All applicants will be notified of their status prior to the award presentation at the OSPA spring meeting.