Enhancing Pathways to Allied Health Careers: Evaluating the Impact of an Undergraduate Mentorship Academy

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:40 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Mentorship and Pathways in Health Professions Education (Table 6)

Abstract

The study independently evaluated a month-long undergraduate mentorship academy designed for economically and educationally disadvantaged students in a southeastern city. The PMA aimed to enhance participants' awareness and preparation for allied health professions through community-based mentorship, job shadowing, and academic skill development. Using a mixed methods approach, the study found that while the program improved students' knowledge about career paths and boosted confidence in their ability to enter graduate programs, it showed mixed results in altering career aspirations. Participants found the job shadowing and mentorship to be extremely valuable but suggested improvements in program organization and scheduling. The findings underscore the program's potential benefits and the need for refinements to better support students from marginalized backgrounds pursuing health careers.

Authors

• Mojtaba Khajeloo, University of Memphis

• Mary Randolph-Frye, University of Memphis

• Carolyn R. Kaldon

• Chermale Casem, University of Tennessee - Memphis