Parental involvement in recruitment of underrepresented minority students

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Wadenya RO, Lopez N

October 12, 2010

Summary:

These researchers discuss how the Short Term Enrichment Program (STEP) of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine involves parents of under-represented minority high school students in a programme consisting of an introductory 2-day course that includes presentations of the dental profession, laboratory, and virtual classrooms. Biannual follow-up workshops are conducted for both children and parents. According to post-programme analyses, these activities have increased STEP attendance rates among both students and their parents and led to greater numbers of student enrolments in a predental programme or dental school, or other prehealth programmes. Students in predental programmes or dental school have the highest percentage of parents who participated in STEP (96%) and engaged them in discussions over career goals (100%).

Comment:

Although it seems ‘common sense’ to involve parents in their children’s career decisions, the researchers have taken it a ‘STEP’ further to describe what ‘parental involvement’ actually means and the impact it has on workforce outcomes. Interestingly, both students and their parents have raised concerns about racism at the University.

Reference: J Dent Educat. 2008;72(6):680-7.

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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