Racial and Ethnic Diversity in HSR: Pockets of Progress but
a Long Way to Go
Preliminary Findings from The W.K. Kellogg Transition Grant Presented by Kelly J. Devers, Ph.D.
Methods and Data
66 semi-structured interviews with: – Chairs – Faculty – Students
Interview respondents were from a
purposive sample of 9 of 10 institutions targeted for study
Definition
Underrepresented students are – African Americans – Hispanics – Native Americans, and – Asians who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Barriers
Many ports of entry into HSR Competition between HSR and other fields
Institutional and/or program constraints Student qualifications Other student characteristics or capabilities
Overcoming Barriers
Efforts were underway to address barriers Most felt some real progress has been made However, efforts often were: – Driven by, and dependent on, a few key people – Not comprehensive, and – Informal
Overcoming Competition and Qualifications Barriers
There were a few examples of efforts to
increase knowledge of HSR and student skills.
– E.g., link with historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the area, summer or internship programs
However, the majority of respondents felt to
overcome this barrier the field needs a much broader, concerted, and long-term effort
Overcoming Competition and Qualification Barriers (2)
Critical needs include: – Increase supply of highly qualified applicants – More effectively market HSR to students at earlier stage of career choice and development – Help HSR programs, faculty, and underrepresented students locate each other Many suggested AcademyHealth, in
conjunction with Foundations, should lead these efforts
Overcoming Institutional and/or Program Constraints
Articulate the benefits of diversity Better understand underrepresented students
needs and concerns Find financial and non-financial resources Offer more substantive and methodological courses of interest
Overcoming Institutional and/or Program Constraints (2)
Develop effective mentors who help: – Access resources – Develop range of professional skills – Address more unique or particular issues
Develop networks with people in different
departments and universities Build a “critical mass” of underrepresented faculty and students
Overcoming Other Student Barriers
Helping underrepresented students develop
required skills
– Summer program – Tutoring
Reactions to Fellowship
Very positive! Questions or possible improvements: – When fellowship would be available to students – Ways to leverage funds – Aspects of the program that are important or should be enhanced – Ways the program should be competed and administered
Additions or Alternatives
Summer Fellowship or One-year Internship – Directed at prospective HSR students (e.g., advanced undergraduates, masters level students)