Outcomes of a Multi-Year Biomedical Research Program for High School Students
Saved in:
| Title: | Outcomes of a Multi-Year Biomedical Research Program for High School Students |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Andrea Giuffrida, Irene Chapa, Y. W. Francis Lam, Kristen La Porte, Linda M. McManus, Anthony L. DePass |
| Source: | Journal of STEM Outreach. 2025 8(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: | 17 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Outcomes of Education, Biomedicine, Research Projects, High School Students, STEM Education, Program Effectiveness, Partnerships in Education, College School Cooperation, Program Evaluation, Student Characteristics, Research Training, Experiential Learning, STEM Careers, Mentors |
| Geographic Terms: | Texas (San Antonio) |
| ISSN: | 2576-6767 |
| Abstract: | The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy (VBRA) provided an opportunity for high school students to engage in mentored biomedical research activities with a faculty investigator. The three-year program, utilizing a Social Cognitive Career Theory framework, included tiered mentoring and a collegiate component in preparation for biomedical science careers. Nine cohorts of 20-22 students from public, private, or charter high schools were admitted to VBRA in 2009-2017. Applications (n=909) were submitted by freshmen in the Fall, top-ranked meritorious applicants (n=486) were interviewed in the Spring, and VBRA Scholars (n=191) entered biomedical research training in June. The demographics of entering students reflected the population of San Antonio, Texas, which is primarily Hispanic. While some students attended private or parochial schools, the majority attended public high schools, and had parents with advanced degrees. Most Scholars (79%) matriculated at R1 institutions for undergraduate studies, and over 70% either completed advanced STEM educational programs or gained employment in STEM-related careers. Although more VBRA Scholars were mentored by Assistant Professors, a smaller percentage of these Scholars matriculated into R1 institutions than Scholars mentored by Associate and Full Professors. Overall, this multi-year mentored research education and training experience for high school students provided an effective biomedical research ecosystem that contributed to a sustained interest in STEM-related careers. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1489460 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy (VBRA) provided an opportunity for high school students to engage in mentored biomedical research activities with a faculty investigator. The three-year program, utilizing a Social Cognitive Career Theory framework, included tiered mentoring and a collegiate component in preparation for biomedical science careers. Nine cohorts of 20-22 students from public, private, or charter high schools were admitted to VBRA in 2009-2017. Applications (n=909) were submitted by freshmen in the Fall, top-ranked meritorious applicants (n=486) were interviewed in the Spring, and VBRA Scholars (n=191) entered biomedical research training in June. The demographics of entering students reflected the population of San Antonio, Texas, which is primarily Hispanic. While some students attended private or parochial schools, the majority attended public high schools, and had parents with advanced degrees. Most Scholars (79%) matriculated at R1 institutions for undergraduate studies, and over 70% either completed advanced STEM educational programs or gained employment in STEM-related careers. Although more VBRA Scholars were mentored by Assistant Professors, a smaller percentage of these Scholars matriculated into R1 institutions than Scholars mentored by Associate and Full Professors. Overall, this multi-year mentored research education and training experience for high school students provided an effective biomedical research ecosystem that contributed to a sustained interest in STEM-related careers. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2576-6767 |
