Hawaii Science Training and Education Project (Hi S.T.E.P.)
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Project Description
The Hawaii SEPA program goal is to increase the public’s interest in and understanding of the health sciences by partnering with over 60 schools research entities and non-profit organizations Bishop Museum and the University of Hawaii College of Education to: Increase science career awareness and interest in K-12 students parents and teachers Increase quality of science education
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Abstract
The Hawaii Science Training and Education Project (Hi S.T.E.P.) is a collaborative effort between the John A. Burns School of Medicine the Hawaii Area Health Education Center Bishop Museum the Pacific Biomedical Research Center the Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN) of local colleges and the University of Hawaii College of Education. The goal is to improve the public’s understanding of and interest in health sciences by increasing biomedical research education and mentoring activities for K-12 students and their teachers. This collaborative effort will allow students from all Hawaiian islands to participate in health sciences programs by adapting successful curricula for K-12 students to the cultures of the area and integrating them into existing health careers recruitment programs. This project will fill in the gaps in health sciences recruitment and education programs across the state provide an online resource for all individuals interested in health science careers in Hawaii develop a statewide annual meeting of parties interested in health sciences and track students to determine program successes.
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Project Evaluation(s)
Evaluation focuses and the results of cross sectional surveys and pre- and post-tests.The Hawaii SEPA project has reached 10627 students from September 2002 to August 2006. At initial contact students rarely report knowing any health science profession other than doctor and nurse (and sometimes forensic pathology as seen on TV). After SEPA interventions significant numbers of students report interest in health science careers and the choices are much broader: 83.8% of students polled expressed interest in at least one health profession 43.8% of students polled expressed interest in two or more health professions 16.2% of students polled expressed no interest in a health-related career.
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Resources for Sharing
Bishop Museum “Medical Mysteries Festival of Science” programs in 11 rural and underserved communities on three islands for 1555 people. (Options in Health Science Professions recruitment program delivered to 2160 students at 30 schools on six islands many of whom are underrepresented minority students campus visitations supported for 425 students from 17 schools algebra camp for 100 students and seven teachers Pulama E Ke Ola (Health of the Land) conference in Hilo for 40 students and 10 teachers UH Manoa College of Education for 100 teachers: four health undergrad courses taught and one graduate level health education teaching seminar) GEAR UP “Taste of College” event for over 500 high school students and parents. (Health science careers summer institute for 28 students Huli Au Ola two-week residential science program for 21 underrepresented minority students junior paramedic training for 25 students Creation of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) groups in 12 school communities partnering to establish e-mentoring network for health science career students two-day human physiology/anatomy workshop for 20 high school teachers middle school teacher training planned for 30 on Vitamin C testing)
Project Audience
K-12 students teachers and parents.
Subjects Addressed
Health science interest and careers.
