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Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative: Outcomes from an Intensive and Mixed Curricular Summer Program on Cancer
Nabil Kahouadji1, Sydney J Alairys2, Erin Chen2
1Department of Mathematics, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL, USA. n-kahouadji@neiu.edu.
Summary
The Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative (ChicagoCHEC) program successfully increased diversity in the cancer research workforce by recruiting and training 178 students. This initiative aims to reduce cancer health disparities through a diverse and skilled healthcare sector.
Area of Science:
- Health Equity Research
- Cancer Disparities
- Workforce Diversity
Background:
- Cancer incidence and mortality are declining, yet health disparities persist.
- The healthcare workforce demographic does not reflect the general population.
- Increasing workforce diversity is crucial for reducing cancer health disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative (ChicagoCHEC) summer research fellows program.
- To assess the program's impact on student development and career trajectories in cancer research.
- To provide a model for other institutions to foster diversity in the cancer research workforce.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 178 undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students across nine cohorts (2016-2024).
- Implemented an 8-week program focused on academic, technical, and professional skills for health equity research.
- Collected data on student performance, skills, awareness, confidence, and career outcomes.
Main Results:
- The program enhanced students' academic and professional abilities.
- Participants showed increased awareness and interest in cancer and health disparities research.
- The program positively influenced students' confidence and career transitions into related fields.
Conclusions:
- The ChicagoCHEC program effectively builds a diverse pipeline for cancer research careers.
- The program's structure and lessons learned offer a replicable model for other institutions.
- Investing in diverse talent is essential for addressing cancer health disparities.
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