DSW Candidate – Cindy Fernandez, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
$0.00
Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars 2025 Event!
Fostering Inclusive Educational Environments: The Impact of Cultural Competence on Diverse Student Well-Being and the Urgent Need for Action
DSW Candidate – Cindy Fernandez, MSW, LMSW
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM Eastern Time Zone
Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)
Description
Fostering Inclusive Educational Environments: The Impact of Cultural Competence on Diverse Student Well-Being and the Urgent Need for Action
This capstone presentation addresses the urgent need for culturally competent and trauma-informed practices in public schools to reduce mental health disparities and promote equitable educational outcomes for diverse student populations. By synthesizing current research and conceptual frameworks, the presentation explores the profound impact of systemic inequities, such as cultural insensitivity and inadequate mental health resources, on the well-being of marginalized students.
It introduces a comprehensive approach that integrates cultural competence with trauma-informed care, focusing on actionable strategies to create supportive, inclusive, and equitable learning environments. These strategies include school-wide policy reform, professional development for educators, and culturally tailored student support programs that prioritize emotional safety, resilience, and inclusivity. Grounded in evidence-based findings, the presentation highlights how these practices can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while fostering academic engagement and social belonging. Practical recommendations emphasize scalable solutions for addressing systemic barriers, ensuring sustainability, and adapting interventions to meet the unique needs of diverse school communities. This presentation offers a transformative vision for education, calling for systemic change to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, can thrive academically and emotionally in a culturally responsive and trauma-sensitive environment.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:
- Understand the Principles of Cultural Competence and Trauma-Informed Care.
- Analyze the Impact of Systemic Inequities on Mental Health and Academic Outcomes.
- Design Strategies for implementing a Comprehensive Framework in Schools.
Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing
Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)
Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.
Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/22-9/29/25. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.
Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.
Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.
