Prof. Spencer Named Fellow at American Academy of Social Work & Welfare
Professor Renée Spencer has been named an American Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare (AASWSW) Fellow in recognition of her leadership in high-impact social work practice and scholarship in youth mentoring. As an AASWSW fellow, Spencer joins 140 plus researchers and practitioners making exceptional contributions to the social work field and beyond. In addition to encouraging outstanding research, scholarship, and practice, AASWSW fellows inform policy made by Congress, other government agencies, and non-government entities.
Prof. Spencer has worked as both a mentor and a researcher with numerous organizations such as the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Research Council. Additionally, she has spent 20 years at BU School of Social Work studying how supportive relationships with adults promote positive development in youth. “I am dedicated to identifying processes that promote helpful, and not harmful, youth mentoring relationships. Unfortunately, too many of these relationships don’t make it, and this is deeply troubling to me, as these programs tend to serve already marginalized youth,” she notes. Child and youth welfare is one of the hallmarks of the Academy where Spencer is now a fellow.