Health Careers Exploration Club: An Upstream Approach to Improving Health Equity

Abstract

Social determinants of health (SDOH), including education, employment, and income, profoundly impact health outcomes. Career exploration and development programs for youth provide an upstream approach for lessening the burden of SDOH and improving health equity. This project utilized an evidence-based curriculum to design and implement a health careers exploration club for minority middle and high school students. The eight-session program consisted of lessons pertaining to the variety of available health occupations, interest inventories, financial literacy, academic preparation, and community resources. Outcomes data supported the project’s objective to prepare participants for future academic and career success, thereby potentially improving overall health outcomes for individuals, the community, and healthcare systems. Upon program completion, 100% of participants reported increased knowledge of and interest in health careers. Future applications of this project will need to focus on recruiting diverse participants. Continued collaboration among DNP students, the project site, and the local community college will foster the development of a mentorship component for the program. As the program continues to grow and expand within the partnering organization and more youth are impacted by its positive outcomes, the potential to improve health outcomes and advance health equity within the community will increase.