MCH pipeline program for undergraduates: Meeting the needs of minority students

Background: Developing an MCH workforce reflective of the diversity of the nation's population is crucial in addressing MCH problems in the U.S. Building a pipeline of trainees from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds is needed. Methods: In 2006, we were awarded one of four MCH Pipeline grants to encourage minority undergraduate students to entire MCH professions. We developed a comprehensive program with three components: a didactic curriculum, experiential internships, and mentoring by faculty. Our program evaluation study sample included 32 students from 2009-2011. An annual baseline survey on knowledge and attitudes in MCH, public health and career development topics was conducted. A follow-up survey was conducted one year later. Results: One-third of students were Latino and 20% were African-American, consistent with our local demographics. At the one-year follow-up, students' attitudes towards MCH topic areas showed statistically significant increases in 12 out of 17 topic areas (p<0.05). Students had significantly higher ratings at one-year follow-up of their perceived knowledge of child health, maternal health, public health, services and programs for children and families and cultural competency, as well as higher ratings in how MCH knowledge will have relevance for their future careers. Conclusions: Our program is changing student attitudes and knowledge in a favorable direction toward MCH careers and health topics of MCH populations, and impacting the academic and career guidance that students receive. By providing undergraduates with exposure to relevant MCH health competencies, our program gives students unique educational and experiential activities that are formative in guiding their career choices.