Engaging minority high school students as health disparities interns: findings and policy implications of a summer youth pipeline program

J Natl Med Assoc. 2012 Sep-Oct;104(9-10):412-9. doi: 10.1016/s0027-9684(15)30194-2.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to describe the development and implementation of a health disparities summer internship program for minority high school students that was created to increase their knowledge of health disparities, provide hands-on training in community-engaged research, support their efforts to advocate for policy change, and further encourage youth to pursue careers in the health professions.

Procedures: Fifty-one high school students who were enrolled in a well-established, science-enrichment after-school program in Brooklyn, New York, participated in a 4-week summer internship program. Students conducted a literature review, focus groups/interviews, geographic mapping or survey development that focused on reducing health disparities at 1 of 15 partnering CBOs.

Findings: Overall, student interns gained an increase in knowledge of racial/ethnic health disparities. There was a 36.2% increase in students expressing an interest in pursuing careers in minority health post program. The majority of the participating CBOs were able to utilize the results of the student-led research projects for their programs. In addition, research conclusions and policy recommendations based on the students' projects were given to local elected officials.

Conclusions: As demonstrated by our program, community-academic partnerships can provide educational opportunities to strengthen the academic pipeline for students of color interested in health careers and health disparities research.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Career Choice*
  • Female
  • Health Occupations / education*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Minority Groups / education
  • New York
  • Policy Making*
  • Schools*
  • Students*
  • Young Adult