A follow-up evaluation of a summer health career program for minority students

In an effort to attract minority students to health careers, a special summer education health career experience was developed. A matched comparison group design was utilized to determine the value of this program. Data were collected on both the participants and a matched comparison group three months before and six months after the program. Differences on most of the measures were not significant; however, there was a significant difference on stability of first career choice, indicating that a special summer program can and does have an effect on the participants. The study makes it clear that program effects cannot be assumed unless a follow-up evaluation is undertaken.