The UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG) is pleased to welcome its fifth cohort of Marvin H. McKinney Scholars. The Marvin H. McKinney Scholars Program in Research, Practice, and Policy was established to offer hands-on research experience in child development to undergraduate students from North Carolina's historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The program honors Marvin H. McKinney, PhD, a former postdoctoral fellow at FPG, longtime educator and collaborator, and an emeritus member of FPG’s current External Advisory Board.

The 2025 summer program is a nine-week paid internship providing students with an opportunity to participate in project-based work, readying them to pursue their professional interests and careers. McKinney Scholars will learn about FPG's role in improving outcomes for young children and families through research, evaluation, implementation, technical assistance, and policy engagement. In particular, they will further their understanding of the importance of research, practice, and policy, as well as the interconnections and pathways between each of these areas of work.

“We are so excited to welcome this year’s cohort of Marvin H. McKinney Scholars,” said Sherra Lawrence, MA, lead of the scholars program. “This cohort is our most diverse group yet with students from three different North Carolina HBCUs, three different majors, and a variety of academic, intern, and research experiences. We hope to provide an enriching experience for them and are delighted to be a stop on their promising journeys.”

Meet the 2025 cohort

Aerryan Bentley

Aerryan Bentley is a rising senior at Johnson C. Smith University majoring in psychology. As a first-generation college student and Ronald E. McNair Scholar, Aerryan reports that the McNair Scholars Program has been instrumental in helping her navigate research opportunities and graduate school preparation, and she was excited to learn about the McKinney Scholars Program, saying it stood out because of its emphasis on research, policy, and implementation science, which are areas she sees as critical in shaping effective interventions for children and families.

Aerryan shared that she believes that every child deserves a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment to grow and thrive and knows the program aligns with her educational and career goals. "The FPG McKinney Scholars Program aligns perfectly with my goals by providing hands-on experience in research, policy, and implementation science related to child development and welfare,” said Aerryan, “and I am eager to work with a team of mentors who are dedicated to improving children’s lives through evidence-based practices."

Aerryan is planning for a career in school psychology and social work, particularly in underrepresented communities, and wants to advocate for policies and interventions that can create lasting, positive change for children and families.

Kamora Coleman

Kamora Coleman is a rising junior at North Carolina Central University majoring in social work. Kamora selected this major because she wants to make a lasting, meaningful, and positive impact on the lives of children and families.

Kamora sees the McKinney Scholars program as an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and looks forward to spending the summer engaging in research, policy analysis, and practical applications. All of which she said will provide essential learning experiences while also helping her develop professional skills that will be useful throughout her career. “This internship is a chance for me to step outside my comfort zone and gain exposure to a setting I’ve never experienced before,” said Kamora. “While I have learned a great deal in my coursework, I know that real-world experience is crucial to fully understanding how to apply my education.”

“Being in a professional setting where I can learn from experts, observe research, and participate in discussions will help connect my education to real-world practice.” Said Kamora. “By the time I graduate and enter the workforce, I want to be fully equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.”

Kyleigh Creighton

Kyleigh Creighton is a rising senior at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University majoring in psychology. At the beginning of the semester, Kyleigh had made it a priority to secure an internship, so when she learned of the McKinney Scholars Program from one of her professors, she says she was immediately interested. And upon full investigation, she said that it was easy to envision how transformative it could be for her career aspirations in the field of psychology.

Kyleigh said that the chance to gain hands-on research experience, particularly within the fields of child development and autism research, aligns with her career goals. "I am constantly seeking opportunities that nurture both personal and academic growth within myself and I believe this program will not only be an incredible learning experience but also a challenge that will benefit me long term,” she said. Kyleigh went on to say, “Additionally, working with experienced researchers and professionals in the field will give me insights that expand upon skills taught in my university classes."

Kyleigh is concerned that children and autistic individuals are often placed in positions where they have little control over their autonomy, “As a vulnerable demographic, they frequently are unable to advocate for themselves. Through this program, I hope to contribute to research and help develop tools for autistic children, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, that can better help them navigate a society that is sometimes unwilling to help them do so."  

Amaya Jeffers

Amaya Jeffers is a rising senior at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University majoring in elementary education. She learned about the McKinney Scholars Program from her classmate, and former MSP scholar, Sydney Shepherd and was inspired to apply based on what Sydney shared about her experience. “Sydney spoke passionately about how the program has strengthened her confidence in our classes and enriched her understanding of education … [her] enthusiasm and firsthand experience made it clear that the FPG McKinney Scholars Program is a transformative experience, one that I am eager to be a part of.”

Amaya plans to pursue a career in elementary education. She also wants to conduct research and advocate for education policy with the goal of one day creating an effective curriculum that is evidence-informed and responsive to the different learning needs of students.

“I know that the way learning is delivered and received can have a lasting effect on a child's future success in school," says Amaya. "Working within the FPG Child Development Institute will provide me with the opportunity to engage in research-based practices that will truly benefit students.”

Related FPG news articles and information

2024 McKinney Scholars reflect on eight-week program
2022 McKinney Scholars reflect on 10-week program
The Marvin H. McKinney Scholars Program