Working Successfully with Diverse Studentsand Communities

Abstract

Pressing societal needs and professional guidelines call for multiculturally competent counselors who can successfully work with diverse individuals and communities. Using a mixed-methods case study, this article describes an innovative counselor preparation program that for 33 years has successfully prepared more than 800 counselors to work with diverse individuals and communities by supporting the development of counseling/professional skills, self-awareness, sensitivity to diversity, and social justice agency. This article reviews multicultural counseling literature that highlights the successes and challenges of teaching students about cultural diversity and oppression. It then elaborates on the Community-Based Block Program model and reports findings from three program assessments. It concludes with implications for counselor preparation programs.