A Feasibility Study Describing the Successes and Challenges of Implementing a Virtual Community Health Worker Training among High School Students Participating in a Summer STEM Enrichment Program
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| Title: | A Feasibility Study Describing the Successes and Challenges of Implementing a Virtual Community Health Worker Training among High School Students Participating in a Summer STEM Enrichment Program |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Archana Bhavani Vasanth Kumar, Gia Grier Mcginnis, Laundette Jones, Erin R. Hager, Sequoia L. Wright, Cara Felter, Greg Carey, Bret Hassel, Arletha W. Livingston, Elizabeth A. Parker |
| Source: | Journal of STEM Outreach. 2024 7(1). |
| Availability: | Journal of STEM Outreach. PMB 0367, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203. e-mail: jstemoutreach@vanderbilt.edu; Web site: https://www.jstemoutreach.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) (DHHS/NIH) National Cancer Institute (NCI) (DHHS/NIH) |
| Contract Number: | R25GM129875 P30CA13427 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Program Implementation, Summer Programs, STEM Education, Community Health Services, Health Personnel, Training, High School Students, Electronic Learning, Student Attitudes, Learner Engagement, Barriers, School Community Relationship |
| Geographic Terms: | Maryland (Baltimore) |
| ISSN: | 2576-6767 |
| Abstract: | University of Maryland, Baltimore CURE Connections (UMB CURE) connects West Baltimore high school students with STEM enrichment including hands-on research and community outreach. This study's purpose was to describe successes and challenges of implementing the virtual Community Health Worker curriculum during the summer programming for UMB CURE high school scholars. This certificate-based program was designed to teach students about the community health field while providing training that demonstrates competence as a community health worker. The training was implemented over two summer sessions (2020 and 2021). Scholars completed a survey to assess program satisfaction. A subset of scholars completed qualitative interviews that focused on scholars' summer program experience and recommendations for program improvement. Engagement metrics (scholar participation, retention) were compiled. Overall themes from qualitative interviews included: (1) overall summer program experience, (2) about the Morehouse curriculum, (3) advice for future scholars, (4) in-person versus virtual summer program, and (5) recommendations for the program. While the program was generally well-received, scholars required more instruction and guidance than anticipated. Many found the required assignments challenging to navigate, citing virtual instruction as a reason. Scholars also requested more hands-on synchronous STEM-focused activities. These data will be used to modify future programming to engage scholars in out-of-school-time STEM initiatives. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1415496 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | University of Maryland, Baltimore CURE Connections (UMB CURE) connects West Baltimore high school students with STEM enrichment including hands-on research and community outreach. This study's purpose was to describe successes and challenges of implementing the virtual Community Health Worker curriculum during the summer programming for UMB CURE high school scholars. This certificate-based program was designed to teach students about the community health field while providing training that demonstrates competence as a community health worker. The training was implemented over two summer sessions (2020 and 2021). Scholars completed a survey to assess program satisfaction. A subset of scholars completed qualitative interviews that focused on scholars' summer program experience and recommendations for program improvement. Engagement metrics (scholar participation, retention) were compiled. Overall themes from qualitative interviews included: (1) overall summer program experience, (2) about the Morehouse curriculum, (3) advice for future scholars, (4) in-person versus virtual summer program, and (5) recommendations for the program. While the program was generally well-received, scholars required more instruction and guidance than anticipated. Many found the required assignments challenging to navigate, citing virtual instruction as a reason. Scholars also requested more hands-on synchronous STEM-focused activities. These data will be used to modify future programming to engage scholars in out-of-school-time STEM initiatives. |
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| ISSN: | 2576-6767 |
