Case CCC Youth Engaged in Science, 09/01/2022-08/31/2027

Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The overall objective of this R25 Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Grant Application from the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Cleveland Ohio, aims to support, develop and implement exciting education, research immersion, outreach and curriculum development activities to attract and mentor students from the Cleveland area in middle and high school progressing to college undergraduate and science teachers to enhance the future cancer healthcare and research workforce. This program is a partnership between the Case CCC, supporting all cancer related research efforts at CWRU with the surrounding Cleveland area schools, particularly the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and East Cleveland Schools, both of which are economically and academically challenged urban school districts. Cleveland is recognized as being one of the poorest major cities in the U.S. This R25 program for students, their teachers and families builds and expands on our successful high school student targeted, Scientific Enrichment and Opportunity Program and our experience with the R25 YES Program. These programs have been developed to engage promising Cleveland area high school students to interact with the SOM faculty, to participate in exciting, longitudinal research experience, to enhance student interest in pursuing careers in biomedical research and healthcare professions, especially as they relate to cancer. The R25 YES Program extends and enhances our efforts to provide a coordinated sequentially integrated approach consisting of 1) Learn to Beat Cancer, a program targeted to engage Cleveland area middle school students, their families and teachers to become knowledgeable about cancer prevention and cancer research opportunities; 2) Research to Beat Cancer, a program designed to attract promising Cleveland area high school and undergraduate students to cancer education and research immersion opportunities at the Case CCC; and 3) Teach to Beat Cancer, a program designed to provide special research and education opportunities for teachers of Cleveland area students to enhance their cancer related knowledge and education skills, engage in curriculum development and enhance their enthusiasm and ability to promote careers in cancer research and in the biomedical work force as well as to further engage the community for increased interaction with the Case CCC.