Bowie State University Launches Behavioral Health and Public Policy Summer Symposium

(BOWIE, Md.) —  Bowie State University celebrated a new partnership with the American Psychological Association (APA) by showcasing its ground-breaking Behavioral Health and Public Policy (BHPP) Summer Symposium. The Symposium brought together 28 master’s and doctoral students and professionals in behavioral health, from the association’s Minority Fellows Program, for a two-day intensive orientation.  

The APA recognizes the increasing intersection between behavioral health and important issues in domestic social policy that disproportionately impact people of low socioeconomic status who live in underserved communities of color.  These are communities where many of its fellows will serve and practice.  To meet this challenge, APA is collaborating with Bowie State to prepare its Minority Fellows with the training necessary to better comprehend, analyze and contribute to policies and programs affecting these communities.  Dr. Janice Haskins is head of the APA’s Leadership Development Institute.

“We’re trying to find more ways to engage with HBCUs,” said Haskins. “This symposium is the first of its kind and focuses on public policy and behavioral health. It is critical that APA students understand how income, health, education attainment, food and other social and structural determinants impact the mental well-being of individuals and influence how policy is shaped.”

Virtual classes will be offered during the university’s second summer session with some students already selecting topics for their capstone projects, which are due in the summer of 2026. The students were thrilled to be part of the groundbreaking opportunity. Members of the American Psychological Association’s professional staff have already inquired about eligibility for next year’s program. 

“What a blessing,” said Dr. James B. Hyman, assistant professor of public administration and founder of the Bowie State University Philanthropy Fellowship Program. “The BHPP Summer Symposium represents a new pathway for students and professionals committed to solving real-world challenges through behavioral health and public policy.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311