Abstract P2052: Expanding Opportunities for Black and Hispanic Undergraduate Students Pursuing Science, Medical and Health-Related Careers with the American Heart Association’s Scholars Program

Abstract

Introduction: Black and Hispanic students entering science, medical and health-related careers remain disproportionately low due to systemic inequities in educational support and opportunities. Recognizing the significant role undergraduate (UG) pathway programs play in preparing students for advanced careers, the American Heart Association (AHA) established the AHA Scholars Program. This program expands opportunities for individuals enrolled in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions to receive mentorship and engage in research and career-enriching experiences, fostering their academic and career growth to empower them to become healthcare professionals and researchers. Objectives: To gather information on the current employment and education status of individuals who participated in the program over the past eight years, and to understand how participation in the program impacted their career and education paths. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 250 unique alumni in May 2024. Eighty-four individuals completed the survey, representing a response rate of 40%. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative questions, respectively. Results: Among respondents who completed their UG degrees, 68% reported pursuing/completing postgraduate (PG) education, with about 59% pursuing/completing a PG degree program in a science or health-related field. Among employed respondents, 65% reported working in a science or health-related industry. Many respondents felt their program experience prepared them very well or more than adequately for PG education (81%) and a career in a health-related field (78%). Almost 76% of respondents indicated their program experience had a substantial positive impact on their overall career progression. Receiving professional skill development, learning how to engage in networking opportunities, gaining research experience, and increasing self-confidence were other ways the program helped respondents prepare for their PG education or career. Conclusion: By creating opportunities for students to engage in skill-building and career-enriching experiences, the AHA Scholars Program has demonstrated its potential to support and promote the advancement of Black and Hispanic students in science, medical and health-related fields, contributing to the development of a more diverse workforce and the advancement of health equity.