Editor’s Note
This is the third story in a five-part series about the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith’s RoarCorps program. Link here for the first story, and link here for the second story.
When Corri Brosius, the director of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith’s RoarCorps program, began revamping the AmeriCorps program, she prioritized youth mental health.
This fall, Engage Arkansas, part of the Arkansas Department of Education, launched the Youth Mental Health Corps, connecting youth aged 13 to 18 with mental health resources. This initiative aligns closely with the university’s Social Work Department and RoarCorps program.
“I approached the Social Work Department because our social work seniors need 400 internship hours to graduate, so why not join this program, complete your requirements, and also get paid?” Brosius explained.
Through RoarCorps, up to 40 UAFS students will collaborate with community organizations to support education, youth mental health, environmental stewardship, and healthy futures. To support stipends and scholarships for RoarCorps participants, UAFS received a $220,000 grant from Engage Arkansas, along with a $10,000 private donation.
Madison Dickerson, UAFS Social Work Program’s assistant professor and director of field education, praised the opportunity for her seniors to complete required internships while earning stipends and scholarships.
“With this new grant and the focus on youth mental health, we’re working to increase access to mental health services for youth in Arkansas,” Dickerson said.
Previously, her students completed two separate internships in the fall and spring. Now, through RoarCorps, they will engage in one continuous internship throughout the academic year, partnering with established agencies like the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club, Valley Behavioral Health, and Get Real.
“Having our students placed for an entire year instead of one semester is exciting,” she added.
Social work students generally exceed the required 400 internship hours, making it easier for them to meet the additional 450 hours needed for RoarCorps. Because they will complete more hours in this program, they will also receive a larger living stipend of $3,900 and a $1,956 scholarship.
“Our bachelor of social work program at UAFS is designed to prepare students to serve varied populations at different systemic levels, from individuals and families to groups and organizations,” Dickerson explained.
With the year-long internships, she anticipates strong client-student relationships.
“I hope clients will see the positive impact a social worker can have in their lives,” she added. “We want to showcase how supportive we can be and the positive changes that can occur through our collaboration.”
Dickerson emphasized the importance of empowering clients through mental health services, stating the need for greater access to these resources, particularly for youth.
“We aim to enhance mental health resource availability for all, especially for ages 13 to 18,” she said.
She expressed confidence that students would have a meaningful impact through the RoarCorps program, looking forward to the positive outcomes that will unfold.
“We’re just really excited about this new opportunity,” Dickerson concluded.
