Health Disparities Summer Internship Curriculum: A Service Learning Model engaging high school students in addressing health concerns impacting their communities

BACKGROUND:  The Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, a partner of the Brooklyn Health Disparities Center (BHDC) aims to address health disparities by enhancing the diversity of the U.S healthcare workforce to be more reflective of communities of color.  High school students are exposed to a service learning curriculum that encompasses (i) knowledge of social determinants of health, (ii) basic research skills, (iii) design and implementation of a community-engaged research project and (iv) presentation of research results and policy recommendations.

METHOD: Prior to being exposed to the curriculum, interns complete 6 hours of basic research methodology and are assigned to a community-based organization (CBO) to develop and evaluate a research question that has significant relevance to the community .  The Interns, supported by research mentors at the BHDC and the CBO simultaneously apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the program, to their research projects.

RESULTS: Between 2010-2013, interns developed 74 research projects and presented policy recommendations to legislative members at the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office that address a number of issues impacting their community’s health such as HIV/AIDS, hookah smoking, and access to cancer care. 

CONCLUSION: High school students can be engaged in learning about issues critical to the health of their communities and can be advocates in addressing these concerns.

IMPLICATIONS: Providing research services valuable to local CBOs supports the work of local agencies in addressing community health, reinforces research knowledge and skills and engages youth in addressing issues impacting them.