Master's Student Selected for Prestigious NBCC Minority Fellowship Program
The MFP-AC program provides financial support to master’s and doctoral counseling students who are committed to serving underserved communities. The NBCC Foundation awards 90 fellowships – with award amounts ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 – annually to master’s- and doctoral-level students who commit to offering culturally competent mental health or addiction counseling that focuses on underserved and underrepresented populations.
“Being an NBCC Minority Fellowship Program recipient means that I have made a commitment to doing what I love, which is helping people find themselves,” said Elmore. "I would like to say thank you to my father, Gary Elmore, for supporting me throughout my academic career as a first-generation student, and to my daughter, Aunalyse Elmore, for showing me how to be a role model. They helped me get where I am today."
In addition to a monetary award, the MFP-AC fellows receive numerous support services from the NBCC Foundation, including training opportunities and mentoring.
“I am very excited to attend the in-person conferences in Atlanta, Georgia, and Denver, Colorado, later this year,” Elmore said. “I am eager to learn new information regarding my profession.”
Originally from Rock Springs, Wyoming, Elmore received his bachelor’s degree in sociology and human services from Black Hills State University. While at USD, Elmore has worked closely with Melissa Dittberner, Ph.D, lecturer of addiction counseling and prevention, in her research lab. He credits this experience with preparing him for the fellowship program.
“The lab has provided me with the skill to isolate certain problem areas within the culture of addiction and focus on ways of prevention as an attempt to ameliorate current stigmas associated with illicit substances,” said Elmore. “The professors at USD have been exceptionally helpful in my learning as a professional, and the coursework is right in line with my area of work.”
Upon completing his master’s degree, Elmore plans to pursue his doctoral degree from USD with the goal of becoming a professor. He also plans to open a private practice counseling office where he said he hopes to “help individuals struggling with addiction find their way out.”
