Despite losing federal funding from the National Institutes of Health, the University of Nebraska Medical Center continues to operate the Minority College and High School Student Summer Program. Last fall, the NIH changed selection criteria for students to include economic data from the student’s families.
Terry Lawson, Ph.D., professor in the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and program coordinator, wanted the selection process to remain focused on student interest and academic standing. Therefore, he began searching for alternative funding in order to continue operating the program.
Dr. Lawson’s efforts generated donations totaling more than $35,000 from the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, the College of Medicine and the College of Nursing.
“When you consider the impact this program has had on students, the $35,000 to 40,000 it takes to run the program, really isn’t a lot of money for an institution like UNMC. In fact, it’s actually a good investment for it will help produce some of the scientists of tomorrow,” said Dr. Lawson.
The program is publicized in all metropolitan schools, some area churches and on the Internet. This year, approximately 100 applications were submitted and evaluated by a committee of UNMC faculty. Selection was based on transcripts, letters of recommendation and a narrative explaining why the student has an interest in the program, which began on June 8. This year, seven high school and five college students, two of whom are from out-of-state, and two teachers are participating in the program. The teachers either represent a minority or work with a large number of minority students.
Dr. Lawson said most students apply because they have an interest in the health-care field. Often, this interest is spawned from a family member who needed medical attention in the past. He also said a number of minority students want to continue their medical education so they can return to their community and work after they complete their education.
Throughout the eight-week program, students work on individual projects in UNMC labs. They will display a poster of their results on Aug. 5. Students can request either a department to work in, or they are randomly assigned to a department. This year, participating departments include cell biology and anatomy, pediatrics, pharmaceutical sciences, the College of Nursing, the Eppley Institute and the Munroe-Meyer Institute.
More than 90 students have participated in the Minority College and High School Student Summer Program over the past 14 years. Dr. Lawson said all but one of the past participants has continued on to college.
“Coordinating the program is a lot of hard work, but the reality is that we are truly helping these students,” Dr. Lawson said.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state. Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than $25 million in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually. In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.
The following students are participants in the program:
Sherita Collins University of Nebraska at Omaha
Cerise Elliot Creighton University
Tony Hernandez University of Nebraska Medical Center
Christi Kim Mount Saint Mary
Cynthia Pearson Norfolk State Virginia
Kimberley Gallion South High
April Haines North High
Marie Krieg North High
Heather Martinez Bryan High
Rebecca Molle Millard South
Ubong Umoren Northwest High
Tiana Veeland Benson High School