Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) program

Rutgers Biomedical And Health Sciences, Newark NJ

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Abstract In alignment with the strategic goals of Rutgers Cancer Institute and NCI, the goal of this supplement is to enhance an inclusive mentoring environment and promote the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Rutgers Cancer Institute. To achieve this goal, we aim to: 1) enhance the mentoring skills of students and post-doctoral fellows who serve as peer-mentors at Rutgers Cancer Institute; and support development of mentee skills required to manage mentoring relationships to succeed in research training (Mentoring Up); 2) organize oncology related Science Clubs in middle/high schools by Teacher Mentors; and 3) provide mentored clinical and research experience to under-represented minority (URM) medical students to encourage them to pursue oncology careers. Effective mentoring relationships are critical for supporting mentees' continued professional development and for overcoming barriers to success particularly for URM trainees. Formal training to improve mentor and mentee skills benefits both the mentor and mentee. For Aim 1, we will initiate formal peer-mentor and mentee training programs at Rutgers Cancer Institute. For Science Club Teacher Mentors initiative (Aim 2), we will establish after-school Science clubs in 4 middle and high schools in school districts with high percentage of URM students. For Aim 3, the Oncology Physician Training Initiative to Maximize Diversity (OPTIM), we engage first year URM medical students (from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS)), in clinical shadowing, cancer research and peer mentoring of trainees in the Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science Program (RUYES). The supplement supports costs associated with developing inclusive peer-mentor and mentee trainings; establishing Science Clubs in middle/high schools; and trainee slots for medical students in the newly established Oncology Physician Training Initiative to Maximize Diversity (OPTIM). This supplement builds on the parent NCI funded R25 Training Grant (RUYES; 1R25CA247785), which engages high school science teachers and URM youth in mentored cancer research, professional development and community outreach activities to build a diverse oncology workforce.