Abstract
Racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) students are underrepresented in school psychology graduate programs and face many
challenges while completing their training. The school psychology field has identified recruitment and retention of REM students
as a priority within recent years, though there are still many barriers for these students’ success. When provided with appropriate
support from peers, faculty, and mentors, REM students can experience great success as school psychologists. One way to support REM
students’ belonging in school psychology programs is to work toward recruiting racially and ethnically diverse cohorts. There are several
benefits to racially diverse cohorts, including peer support, fostering community and belonging, and improving retention. As four recent
doctoral graduates in school psychology, we reflect on our experiences as REM students, share the benefits of completing our school
psychology program in a racially diverse cohort, and review the existing literature regarding the recruitment and retention of REM
students. We provide specific strategies implemented by our school psychology graduate program to recruit and retain REM students; and
discuss implications for retaining REM students across the broader profession.
