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.

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.