Training minorities for health careers: a five-year follow-up study

This study investigates the economic status of 69 residents of Newark, New Jersey, who completed health career programs at the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in June 1973. The subjects were black females from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds ranging in age from 20 to 37 years. Approximately 28% of the 85 subjects who started the program had dropped out of high school by the 11th grade: three had completed the ninth grade and 54 were high school graduates. None had received postsecondary education. Candidates were recruited from the city welfare roster and referred to a selection committee consisting of Newark officials, community residents and representatives from the New Jersey Medical School. Accepted candidates were given first, second and third choices for career selection. Prior to training, 44 subjects were unemployed or receiving public assistance. Only six graduates now receive public assistance.