Graduate Student Committee
About the Committee
The DCDT Graduate Student Committee is a welcoming community for graduate students with an interest in secondary transition and improving post-school outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Our committee brings graduate students together to build professional relationships, share experiences, explore opportunities, and develop as future leaders in the field of secondary transition. We want to help graduate students make the most of their DCDT membership while building connections that extend beyond graduate school.
Our Goals
The Graduate Student Committee works to:
- Build Community: Create opportunities for graduate students to connect with peers, share experiences, and develop supportive professional relationships.
- Increase Awareness: Connect graduate students with DCDT opportunities, including scholarships, mentorship, professional development, research recognition, and committee participation.
- Encourage Engagement and Leadership: Support graduate students in becoming active contributors to DCDT through committee service, collaborative initiatives, and leadership opportunities.
- Represent Graduate Student Perspectives: Provide opportunities for graduate students to share their ideas, experiences, and needs within DCDT.
- Support Continued Involvement: Encourage graduate students to maintain their connections and involvement with DCDT as they transition into their professional careers.
Get Involved!
Whether you're new to DCDT or have been a member for several years, the Graduate Student Committee is a great place to connect, learn, and get involved!
Our meetings include community building, professional development, and committee business. All DCDT graduate student members are welcome, and no previous committee experience is necessary.
Meeting Schedule: Third Tuesday of each month, 12:00–1:00 p.m. Pacific / 3:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern. We do not meet in June or July- Enjoy your summer!
Committee Chair: Lauren Melone
Contact: ljm082@shsu.edu
Interested in attending? Contact the committee chair to receive the virtual meeting link. We look forward to meeting you!
Graduate Student Opportunities
DCDT offers opportunities for graduate students to connect with leaders in the field, advance their research, and develop professionally. We encourage graduate student members to explore these opportunities:
Students Engaging Transition Scholars (SETS) Mentorship Program
Connect with experienced transition scholars through mentorship opportunities designed to support graduate students' professional and research interests.
DCDT Graduate Research Scholarships
DCDT supports graduate student research through scholarships that help fund projects related to career development and secondary transition. Explore scholarship opportunities and application requirements.
Patricia L. Sitlington Emerging Researcher Award
This award recognizes promising doctoral researchers whose work contributes to the field of secondary transition. Eligible graduate students are encouraged to share their research and explore this opportunity for professional recognition.