Title: Empowering Underserved Youth through Mentorship and Experiential Health Curriculum at an Urban Public High School

Author: Andy Chung

Discovery PI: Jyoti Puvvula, MD

Area of Concentration (Petal): Health Justice & Advocacy

Specialty: Primary Care / Community Medicine

Keywords: Health equity, pipeline education, mentorship

Background:
Students from underserved communities face structural barriers to pursuing health careers, including financial constraints, academic insecurity, and lack of mentorship. Gardena High School, located in South Los Angeles, serves a predominantly low-income, Hispanic and Black student population, with 93% classified as socioeconomically disadvantaged. This project was developed in partnership with Gardena’s Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Program to address these disparities through a health education pipeline initiative that inspires students, affirms identity, and addresses gaps in healthcare representation.

Objectives:
(1) Increase interest in health careers among high school students
(2) Build student confidence in college and career readiness
(3) Promote self-efficacy and a sense of belonging in healthcare spaces through hands-on learning and mentorship

Design:
Throughout the 2024–2025 academic year, 57 juniors and seniors participated in weekly sessions covering CPR, vital signs, musculoskeletal health, anatomy, workplace injury prevention, and suturing. Career talks, mentorship, and college advising were integrated. A detailed baseline survey assessed demographics, perceived barriers, health career interests, and confidence in clinical skills and healthcare identity. A longitudinal post-program survey is planned to assess changes in knowledge, self-efficacy, and aspirations.

Impact/Effectiveness:
At baseline, 42% of students expressed interest in healthcare. Top barriers included financial constraints (49%), difficulty in STEM (25%), and lack of mentorship (21%). Students reported moderate confidence in first aid (mean 3.8/5) but lower understanding of healthcare pathways (mean 2.7/5). Over half identified as first-generation college students. Students shared strong enthusiasm for skill-based activities and mentorship from professionals with similar backgrounds.

Lessons Learned:
Culturally responsive teaching and identity-affirming mentorship are essential to engaging underserved youth. Real-world, hands-on learning fosters skill-building, confidence, and belonging.

Summary:
This project offers a scalable, equity-centered model to inspire the next generation of diverse healthcare professionals. Future plans include curriculum expansion, longitudinal tracking, and broader dissemination of best practices.