Increasing Native Research Leadership Through an Early Career Development Program.

Area of Science:

• Health Equity
• Indigenous Health Research
• Substance Use Disorder

Background:

• American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian populations face significant health inequities, particularly in substance use disorder.
• Underrepresentation of Native researchers hinders effective prevention and intervention efforts in Native communities.
• Existing research and community efforts have not fully overcome these persistent disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Native Children's Research Exchange (NCRE) Scholars program, a career development initiative for emerging Native scholars.
• To outline the program's history, mentoring, and training strategies tailored to the needs of early-career Native researchers.
• To present the progress of program alumni and gather first-person perspectives on program impact.

Main Methods:

• The NCRE Scholars program provides career development support.
• Mentoring and training approaches are designed to meet the specific needs of early-career Native scholars.
• Program alumni progress and participant experiences are documented.

Main Results:

• The NCRE Scholars program has successfully supported emerging Native scholars for nine years.
• Key program elements have demonstrably aided the career development of current scholars.
• Alumni demonstrate progress in becoming research leaders.

Conclusions:

• The NCRE Scholars program is an effective model for cultivating the next generation of Native research leaders.
• The program helps build a critical mass of Native researchers equipped to address community health priorities.
• Investing in Native researchers is crucial for advancing health equity in Native communities.