Developing the future clinical research workforce: An immersive high school clinical research summer camp

Clinical translational research relies on clinical research professional staff, and efforts to stimulate a future workforce has included outreach to high schools.

We assembled a multidisciplinary team from three institutions, leveraging expertise in education, clinical translational science, and team science to design and implement a summer camp for high school students to expose them to career opportunities in clinical research. Using backward design, we developed structured lesson plans and logistical operations. Recruitment targeted rising sophomores and juniors from Columbus, Ohio, metropolitan area high schools, with a blinded review process and no grade point averages requirement to encourage broad participation. Evaluation included pre/post assessments, facilitator feedback, and daily safety checks, with IRB exemption secured for toolkit development and dissemination.

Within one month, we received 100 applications from 14 schools, far exceeding expectations, and selected 34 students from 8 Columbus, Ohio, metropolitan area high schools. Of the 34 accepted, 33 participated in most elements of the program and 29 students completed all four days of camp and post-camp evaluations, with an average self-reported goal achievement score of 8.41 out of 10. Pre- and post-test results showed statistically significant increases in confidence across clinical research topics.

The pilot summer camp for high school students, supported by in-kind contributions, successfully met its goals and led to the creation of a replicable summer camp toolkit. The camp laid a strong foundation for future offerings and collaborations, with ongoing efforts to secure funding and expand access and impact.