Evaluation of a community-based participatory research student training program

Background: The Council on Education for Public Health requires all graduate public health degree students to take part in a practice experience to demonstrate their application of basic public health skills. However, limited information exists on the structure of these programs, and their evaluation methods, measures, and results. The internship and fellowship programs of the NYU PRC aim to build the capacity of students to conduct health promotion and disease prevention research and activities using community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles. The program provides training opportunities, mentoring, hands-on experience with CBPR projects and community engagement activities, and builds academic and professional skills with publication and presentation requirements. An evaluation has been developed to ensure that the program meets the needs of students and achieves its goals.

Methods: All students complete a learning contract outlining expected learning objectives, activities, core competencies to be developed, and a supervision/mentoring plan. Next, a short-term evaluation, implemented at the conclusion of the internship/fellowship, examines satisfaction, usefulness of activities, value of experience, core competencies, CBPR skills, accomplishments, career plans, supervision/mentoring, and networking. Finally, a long-term evaluation, examining employment, career path, and value of experience, is implemented on an annual basis beginning one year after the conclusion of the internship/fellowship.

Discussion: Preliminary results demonstrate that students strengthened and frequently utilized CBPR skills, enhancing classroom learning. Students also felt that their experience contributed to their future professional and/or academic goals. However, respondents indicated that they would like more opportunities to network with other interns, staff, and community partners.