Institute for Families in Society

Child Mental Health Research Integrated Health and Policy Research Early Childhood

2022 Smith Scholarship Recipient

Isabelle Borduas

 

Isabelle Borduas is a part of the University of South Carolina, College of Social Work BSW Class of 2023. She is involved on campus as a Student Senator, a Class Representative, and is the President of Delta Alpha Pi, an honors fraternity for students with disabilities who support other UofSC students, and middle and high school students with disabilities. Off campus, she teaches a middle school youth group on Sundays, work as an after-school program aide at Cayce Elementary, and is a Servant Leader Intern for Freedom School Partners during the summer. Beginning in high school as an intern with a Social Worker for children, she saw the childhood trauma resulting from physical and sexual abuse inflicted in the home and the importance of support and systems to provide safe spaces for children. In the future, her goals are to achieve a Master’s degree in Social Work, and to become a LMSW. She wants to be a public school-based social worker and advocate for students with disabilities. Additionally, she plans to develop programs that support both children and their families through mentor programs, community food programs to combat food insecurity, clothing and school supply pick-ups, and training in anti-bulling practices and child maltreatment identification for teachers. Being in the public schools will enable her to work with and support children in their everyday lives providing a foundation of support to foster resilience and strength for all children.

Please join us in congratulating her on this award.

Be A Champion for Youth and Families!

The Michael Daniel Smith and Alexander Tyler Smith Scholarship is funded by an endowment created by Mr. Robert L. Thomas and awarded to the University of South Carolina in memory of Michael and Alexander, who died under tragic circumstances. Each year, the Institute for Families in Society is pleased to offer one scholarship ($1500-$2000, depending on available funds) to a full-time undergraduate student from the UofSC Columbia campus. The student will show outstanding promise in becoming a helping professional for children and families in need. To be eligible, students must be a junior in standing and a Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, or Public Health major. The scholarship funds will be awarded during the student’s senior year.