Scholar Academy for Latinxs United for Diversity (SALUD) (2024-2025)
Background
Latinx individuals are the largest, fastest growing and youngest ethnic minority group in the U.S. This group is estimated to double in size by 2050. In North Carolina, the Latinx population has increased nearly 40% since 2010, now accounting for over a third of the state’s population. In Durham, the Latinx community doubled from 7.6% of the population in 2000 to 13.7% in 2021.
Despite representing 19% of the total U.S. population, Latinx individuals are only awarded 4.5% of STEM doctoral degrees and there are numerous barriers for Latinx students to enter STEM fields, including lack of access to mentorship from Latinx professionals. There is a critical need for equipping the next generation of Latinx students with the requisite skills to pursue STEM.
In order to widen the pipeline for Latinx students to higher education, it is imperative to provide opportunities for learning about various health-related/STEM careers, exposure to interdisciplinary professional role models and guidance on applying to academic programs. Investing in the education, training and mentorship of these students represents one route to increasing the disproportionate underrepresentation of Latinx individuals in health-related/STEM professions.
Project Description
The Scholar Academy for Latinxs United for Diversity (SALUD) program develops infrastructure for high school and college students so they can develop leadership skills and receive personal and professional development. The multi-session semester curriculum addresses social determinants of health through a social justice lens, while retaining a focus on health technology, science and college access.
Since its inception in 2017, SALUD has grown in scale and scope. This project team will conduct a program evaluation of SALUD that will use qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum as well as the program’s acceptability and feasibility. For high schoolers, the focus lies on assessing awareness, knowledge and skills — ranging from attitudes about themselves and college aspirations to proficiency in health drivers and college application processes.
A secondary objective of SALUD is to serve as a leadership and mentorship program for undergraduate students so that they are optimally suited to apply for graduate and professional programs in health-related careers and be leaders in their careers. Evaluating this program for undergraduates will center on leadership, mentorship, program evaluation, curriculum design, group facilitation, data analysis and communication skills.
Long-term efficacy will be tracked via surveys and monitoring college pathways, scholarships and enrollment. Acceptability and feasibility will be gauged through satisfaction ratings, qualitative feedback and attendance, aiming to ensure active engagement and the program’s sustainability.
Anticipated Outputs
Publications; conference presentation; online content about program findings; reports for local stakeholders; grant applications
Student Opportunities
Ideally, this project team will include 10 graduate students and 10 undergraduate students from STEM fields. Students from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds and/or first-generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Undergraduate team members will gain skills in community engagement, program development and evaluation, creating and delivering a culturally responsive curriculum, facilitating and leading classrooms, understanding social drivers of health, networking, mentoring high school students, and written and oral communication.
Graduate students will build skills in developing research questions, budgeting, networking and communicating with senior leadership at Duke, mentoring undergraduate and high school students, and written and oral communication.
This team is currently seeking a graduate student project manager.
Timing
Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
- Fall 2024: Recruit undergraduates and high school students; evaluate data from previous programs; invite speakers; take part in program team meetings; raise funds
- Spring 2025: Implement high school program; take part in program team meetings; collect data; facilitate SALUD Commencement Ceremony
Crediting
Academic credit available for fall and spring semesters
See earlier related team, Expanding Latinx Representation in Health and STEM Careers: Evaluation of SALUD (2020-2021).
Image: From SALUD website