Near-Peer Mentorship in a Medical-Student Led Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Research Education Program Increases STEM Interest in Underrepresented High School Students.

Abstract

Students from underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to pursue careers in healthcare and research. Despite the existence of many pipeline programs to reduce this disparity, there is still a need to effectively increase the diversity of the STEM workforce. Our research education program for underrepresented high school students attempts to bridge this gap by implementing the near-peer mentorship strategy by incorporating medical students in roles as program leaders and mentors. From June 2018 to August 2022, second-year medical students at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, directed an 8-week program each summer for local San Diego high school students. Alumni of our program were invited to complete a survey to assess demographic information, current education, career goals, and impacts of our program. Our research education program for high school students from underrepresented races/ethnicities and/or low-SES backgrounds was effective in influencing our students to pursue higher education and maintain an interest in STEM-related careers.