Social Work Professor Receives BRES Award

Congratulations to Dr. Jennette Allen-McCombs, who recently received a Black, Race and Ethnic Studies (BRES) grant!

^{Dr. Jennette Allen-McCombs awarded BRES grant to address 'a critical gap in social work education'}

According to Dr. Allen-McCombs, the study “will address a critical gap in social work education that has profound implications for the preparations of future practitioners. The work, she said, is essential for ensuring that social work students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to effectively serve diverse communities and challenge systemic oppression.

“I am immensely proud to have received the Black, Race, and Ethnic Studies (BRES) grant,” said Professor Allen-McCombs. “The study will address a critical gap in social work education that has profound implications for the preparation of future practitioners. This work is essential for ensuring that social work students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to serve diverse communities and effectively challenge systemic oppression.”

She explained that the study examines how Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE) textbooks in social work education address non-Western perspectives and diverse experiences.

“It responds to new Council on Social Work Education standards emphasizing anti-racist, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) practices,” said the Social Work scholar. “Through a content analysis of commonly used HBSE textbooks, the research investigates the representation of non-Western human behavior theories and how they frame BIPOC and LGBTQ+ experiences. The findings will contribute to decolonizing social work education and preparing practitioners who can better serve diverse communities while addressing systemic oppression.”

Allen-McCombs explained that beyond the academic benefits, the BRES initiative has a positive ripple effect throughout CUNY and the York College community. “It demonstrates the institution's commitment to Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) principles and its willingness to examine and transform longstanding educational practices critically. Ultimately, this research has the potential to shape the next generation of social workers, empowering them to be agents of positive change in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

Dr. Selena T. Rodgers, Chairperson of Social Work and founding director of the MSW Program at York College, is enjoying the success for both the professor and the department.

"I am thrilled that Dr. Jennette Allen-McCombs received the groundbreaking BRES grant, which is the first awarded to a faculty member in the Department of Social Work, said Dr. Rodgers. “This achievement is not only a significant professional milestone for her, but is an opportunity for Dr. Allen-McCombs to lead the way for transformative college and university-wide training and curricular recommendations focused on Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI)."