The Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities is pleased to announce its 2019-20 research fellows. Two projects were selected for funding - one led by Dr. Patricia Young, associate professor of education, and the other led by Dr. Jane Lincove, associate professor of public policy at UMBC.

Dr. Young and co-investigator, Ms. Deborah Kariuki (Master of Arts in Education Graduate Program, UMBC), will conduct a yearlong study entitled, Infusing a Culture-based Computational Thinking Curriculum in Urban Preschools. They will work with Judy Center faculty and staff at Lakeland Elementary/Middle School to improve young learners’ computational thinking, thereby enhancing their problem solving skills and creativity. Dr. Young and Ms. Kariuki will develop, and with preschool teachers, test the Culture-based Computational Thinking Curriculum and instructional materials. In addition, they will design a parents’ guide to computational thinking for young learners.

Dr. Lincove with co-investigators, Dr. Lieny Jeon (Johns Hopkins University) and Ms. Sarah Bollard (Baltimore City Public Schools), will conduct a three-year study entitled, Judy Centers in Baltimore: Improving Data-Informed Decisions. This study will develop a new database from existing sources to investigate the effect of Judy Center services on young children’s kindergarten readiness, the relative effectiveness of different Judy Center programs and services, and the potential for measuring outcomes for children before they enter kindergarten. In addition to improving early childhood data systems and infrastructure, this project will produce relevant research for policy and program improvements.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Young, Dr. Lincove, and their co-investigators.

"It's with great honor I share with you today that I have been accepted into the JET program!"

If you've been following De'Jia, a Global Studies major with a Political Science minor, you know she spent her Fall semester in Japan at Nanzan University. She took full advantage of her time there participating in a host of activities. From volunteering for the Black Women's Conference to offering her Japanese cohort a taste of Thanksgiving (out of a toaster oven!). This Fall, she'll join the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program as an Assistant Language Teacher teaching English. She finds out in June where her post will be.

The JET Program seeks participants who are adaptable, outgoing, and who have a deep interest in Japan. Only the best candidates are chosen to represent America. The JET Program typically receives 4,000-5,000 applications each year from U.S. applicants. Of these, 1,000-1,100 will be selected for participation in the JET Program. The Program allows young professionals to live and work in cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan.

The Humanities Scholars Program congratulates De'Jia on being selected!

In these uncertain times, it is important as a community and a nation that we don’t lose sight of our identities, our purpose, and our impact. As such, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s (UMBC) Counseling Center is taking a firm stance against the recent increase in xenophobia and racism that has been perpetrated against Chinese and Asian communities.

While the coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, some have chosen to refer to it as the “Chinese Virus,” the “Wuhan Virus,” or a “foreign virus.” This language falsely suggests that Chinese or Asian people are the sole carriers of the disease, while also dangerously ignoring the fact that any person, of any race or ethnicity, may be a carrier. Further, this misinformation racializes a public health emergency and perpetuates discrimination against ethnic Chinese (or other Asian) people, reflecting a long-standing history of xenophobia – a form of prejudice against people from other countries. Acts of discrimination, harassment, violence, and verbal aggression towards Chinese and Asian people in the U.S. have increased as a result and have imbued hate and fearmongering into an atmosphere already rife with uncertainty and anxiety.

UMBC draws its strength from its diversity of thought, cultures, backgrounds, and the importance with which inclusivity is upheld and championed. Asian and Asian American (especially Chinese and Chinese American) students, staff, and faculty are valued members of the UMBC community. UMBC’s Counseling Center decries racist or xenophobic rhetoric, behavior, or ideology. Furthermore, as mental health providers, we understand the negative psychological, physiological, and sociological effects of scapegoating, victim blaming, and bias in a time where we all need to find ways to be supported, connected, and truly informed.

Research shows that experiences of discrimination can lead to confusion, self-doubt, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and depression, along with a host of physical ailments. While it is understandable that these times of uncertainty have led to anxiety and fear, engaging in blame and othering behaviors only increases paranoia, mistrust, and emotional distancing, which in turn fuel anxiety and fear. Simply put, increasing belonging and connection helps us all, spreading division and distrust hurts us all. For a community built on inclusive excellence, we know the choice to make, so we hope you join us in denouncing discrimination and addressing xenophobia and racism in all its forms.

For tips and resources please visit: Counseling Center Website