Increasing diversity in the genetic counseling profession: Development of recruitment tools for African American undergraduate students

Lack of diversity in the genetic counseling profession has been a concern for over 20 years, with the National Society of Genetic Counselors identifying increasing diversity and inclusion as a strategic focus in 2019. Previous research has revealed potential barriers that could explain the low number of diverse applicants to genetic counseling graduate programs. The aims of this pilot study were to test strategies for participation and site recruitment methods for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief presentation tailored to African American students. Recruitment emails were sent to career services and 124 biology/psychology department chairs from HBCUs and one predominately white institution with over 10% black student population. There was a 16% response rate through career services and a 25% response rate from department chairs. Different sections of a single biology class at one HBCU were randomly assigned to either attend a class presentation by an African American second-year genetic counseling student and given a brochure detailing the same information (presentation group), or receive a brochure only (brochure group). Ninety students participated in the study: 65 in the presentation group and 25 in the brochure group. All students completed a 10-question knowledge test and were given an email address for further student-initiated contact about genetic counseling. In the presentation group, 65% (42/65) completed the knowledge test with a mean score of 7.59/10. Only one student from the brochure group completed the knowledge test. No students initiated contact to receive additional information about genetic counseling. This study highlights the difficulties in reaching African American students, even through HBCUs. Strategies beyond the use of brochures and presentations will be necessary to attract African American students into the genetic counseling profession.