One Community, Many Lenses: Comparing Behavioral Health Students’ Perceptions of an HBCU Learning Community

Utilizing a comparative research design, this study explored the perceived benefits of an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional learning community for behavioral health students, including counselors-in-training at historically Black colleges and universities. To understand the perceived benefits, the researchers examined quantitative and qualitative post-participation surveys. The findings revealed that overall, participants believed the Learning Community contributed to their development and practice, particularly those who had not yet earned an advanced degree. The Learning Community offered career capital via new knowledge, enhanced graduate training, a safe space, expanded networks, and interdisciplinary/interprofessional perspectives.