As our nation’s population becomes increasingly diverse, it is important that all aspects of our health care workforce represent that diversity. A diverse health care workforce is an important part of expanding health care access for the underserved, enriching the pool of leaders and policymakers to meet the needs of a diverse population, and fostering biomedical and clinical research to address diseases that affect these populations.  Unfortunately, data suggests that few high achieving minority youth would consider a career in research, thereby limiting the success of early outreach programs in identifying potentially successful future researchers.

One promising way to increase interest in clinical research careers among youth is through the spreading of video messages crafted and created by teens for their classmates through social media. Through STRIVES, TEACH Research students research, create, and launch a viral social media campaign that encourages their peers to consider a career in clinical research.  Expert staff and faculty guide students as they conduct focus groups, shoot video, edit footage, and launch a successful campaign.  The aim of this study is to assess the impact and reach of these student-led social media campaigns.

For more information, contact teachstrives@gmail.com

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Research indicates that most high school students are unclear about their occupational futures and have limited knowledge of the professional world.  In particular, minority students often lack access to practical experiences and career-oriented role models, leaving these students underrepresented in many science and technology professions.

To address the challenge of preparing these students to become physician-scientists, a team of interdisciplinary investigators created Training Early Achievers for Careers in Health (TEACH) Research, a program based on theories of adolescent career development.  TEACH Research aims to prepare and inspire talented Chicago Public Schools high school students to pursue careers in health-related research by providing exposure to a realistic career experience and a multi-tiered structure of mentors.  Students are recruited as rising sophomores from the University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Program, a three-year enrichment program for high-achieving and talented Chicago Public Schools students.

For more information, please contact teachrsch@gmail.com.

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