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As part of Google’s ongoing commitment to encouraging students of underrepresented backgrounds in technology to pursue graduate study, we are pleased to host the first annual 2010 Google Graduate Researchers in Academia of Diverse backgrounds (GRAD) CS Forum. This forum will bring together students who are historically underrepresented in the field to connect with one another and with Google. Up to 75 computer scientists will be invited to an all-expenses paid forum that will run Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon on January 21–23 at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, CA. The Google GRAD CS Forum will include technical talks from established researchers – both from Google and universities – and a unique occasion to build and strengthen networks with other emerging researchers. Students will also enjoy tours of the Googleplex, have the opportunity to meet with Google engineers in their focus areas, and have fun exploring the San Francisco Bay Area. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must: be a computer science (or related technical discipline) graduate student currently enrolled in a Masters or PhD program at a university in North America demonstrate academic excellence and leadership in the computing field maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or 4.3 on a 5.0 scale or equivalent in their current program The forum is open to all qualified graduate students, and is committed to addressing diversity in our company and in the technology industry. Students who are a member of a group that is historically under-represented in the technology industry are encouraged to apply, including female, Native American, African American and Hispanic students as well as students with disabilities. Selection Process Google engineers will select up to 75 attendees based on each applicant’s academic and technical achievements. Evidence of academic achievement and leadership experience should be evident from the resume. How to Apply Complete the online application and submit all required documents online. First-time users will be required to register and create an account. Please note that recommendation letters are not required. Application Deadline: December 12, 2009 Apply now at www.google.com/jobs/students/gradforum . Posted by Hanah Kim, University Programs

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Join us for the 2010 Google GRAD CS Forum!

People who suffer from depression, addictions and other mental health issues often turn first to their religious leaders. But as 25 Brigham Young University graduate students found when they interviewed clergy from a range of churches in Utah County, many worry they may not be able to offer the right kind of help. The students, who are studying for master’s degrees in social work, hope to change that. This month the students launched Clergy Bridge, a project to teach clergy how to recognize mental health issues and where to refer members of their congregations who are burdened. The students hosted a workshop for 50 clerical leaders and social service professionals and published a manual in English and Spanish, making it available for free from their Web site. “Our purpose is to show a way to help,” said student LaDawn Park. “When a member of a congregation comes in with a problem, they will have a better of idea of how to address it.” “We want to create a bridge between the spiritual aspect and the social service aspect,” said Tiffany Winder, another student. What began as a project for Michael Seipel’s community organization class, however, may continue after the class ends, said student Jesse Ellis. Several of those involved want to turn Clergy Bridge into a nonprofit organization that will update the manual, which now focuses on Utah County resources, and broaden its geographical reach. “It Advertisement honestly just depends on resources and funding,” said Ellis. “If we can take the right steps and partner with the right people, there isn’t any reason we couldn’t extend it and make it more professional.” Already, the group is hearing from clergy in other states who want to use the manual. On Monday, two days after the workshop, there were 600 hits on the Clergy Bridge Web site, said Ellis. Some left messages. Most of the graduate students have already worked as social workers and recognize how mental health issues are misunderstood by the general public and clergy. “We want to get to a place where mental health is viewed like physical health. As a culture, nationwide and in whatever denomination, I think there needs to be improvement,” said Ellis. “This is just one step we’re taking to do that.” One of those who attended the workshop, Linda Walton, a volunteer chaplain at Utah Valley University, said religious leaders often are frustrated that they are left out of the loop once they advise someone to get professional help. “We may refer a suicidal person and we don’t hear back, and they might still be in the congregation,” she said. “When they pop in again, we sort of start from ground zero.” It would be helpful if the clergy could remain involved in helping the person, just as a person’s primary doctor remains involved once a specialist is called in, she said. Seipel said it was good to see his students grasp and run with an issue often discussed, but not often addressed. “I hope my students will have a greater awareness that they have a role to play in the community, building partnership, building bridges,” he said. “They have done a really nice little project.”

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BYU grad students build bridge to clergy