The High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP) at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) was initiated in the 1970’s with the goal of increasing the number of students entering (BBHP). The program targets Massachusetts high school sophomores and juniors from groups that are under-represented in BBHP and/or disadvantaged backgrounds. This program encourages participants to work smart; improve study, communication and time management skills; graduate from high school; and prepare for college. This four-week residential program provides the participants with an integrated academic enrichment curriculum in Science/Biology, Mathematics, English, Communication Skills and Information Technology. Field trips reinforce the science curriculum. Participants are required to complete a Health Disparities Research Project on a cultural group in Massachusetts. Participants meet health care professionals and scientists through their assigned observer/internships and Cultural Contemporary Health Issues seminars. Program evaluation instruments include standardized pre-tests and post-tests. These tests are the Cognitive Abilities Test that measures developmental and cognitive abilities in verbal, quantitative and non-verbal areas; and the Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension Test that measures vocabulary, reading comprehension, and reading rate. Instructors and internship hosts provide written evaluations of the participants’ level of engagement within their individual classrooms and departments. Participants are required to complete an anonymous post-program survey evaluation.

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