#MYHealth: Training the Next Generation of Health Scientists Through Participatory Research in Adolescent Health

The program has three specific aims:

1. Promote interest in science and health science careers in underrepresented minority (URM) high school students through a mentored summer research experience in adolescent health research. Expected outcomes are increased interest in science and interest in health science careers.
2. Develop research identities (viewing current and future self in research) by engaging students as co-researchers in academic-year long research-to-action projects targeting academic, policy, community, and youth audiences. Expected outcomes are increased researcher identity interest in scientific research, science self-efficacy, and interest in pursuing a health sciences career.
3. Engage URM high school students as peer leaders in summer and academic-year programs. Expected outcomes are increased agency, depth of social networks, social support, and leadership self-efficacy.

Diemer will contribute his substantive expertise regarding STEM education in historically marginalized communities, STEM motivation and educational/occupational decision making, and positive youth development among marginalized populations to the project.