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Introduction: The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Pipeline Training Program, promotes development of a diverse health workforce by training undergraduate students from underrepresented minorities. We aimed to evaluate the success of this program based on three domains: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) academic and career development, and (3) attitudes towards the field of MCH and the training programs among graduates., Methods: Three domains of success were determined through a collaborative effort between current program directors and the funding agency project officers. The survey with questions related to the three domains was distributed via an online platform to graduates from seven sites (one former site and six current sites). Data were analyzed and presented utilizing descriptive statistics., Results: The survey was distributed to 550 graduates, 162 responded (37% response rate). Demographically, 78% were female, 54% were Black/African American, 22% were Latinx and 83% did not report any disability. Eighty percent of respondents applied to graduate/professional schools, 67% received admission. Graduates often continued to work in MCH fields (70%). Majority felt confident and knowledgeable in the field (89%) and agreed the faculty were supportive at their training sites (90%)., Conclusion: The study highlights successes in recruiting from underrepresented minorities, particularly Black/African Americans and first-time college goers in the family into the MCH Pipeline Training Programs. Programs were successful in furthering academic and career development for most trainees. Attitudes towards MCH and the training programs were overwhelmingly positive. Continued support of these programs is critical in addressing health disparities and achieving health equity., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Introduction: The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Pipeline Training Program, promotes development of a diverse health workforce by training undergraduate students from underrepresented minorities. We aimed to evaluate the success of this program based on three domains: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) academic and career development, and (3) attitudes towards the field of MCH and the training programs among graduates., Methods: Three domains of success were determined through a collaborative effort between current program directors and the funding agency project officers. The survey with questions related to the three domains was distributed via an online platform to graduates from seven sites (one former site and six current sites). Data were analyzed and presented utilizing descriptive statistics., Results: The survey was distributed to 550 graduates, 162 responded (37% response rate). Demographically, 78% were female, 54% were Black/African American, 22% were Latinx and 83% did not report any disability. Eighty percent of respondents applied to graduate/professional schools, 67% received admission. Graduates often continued to work in MCH fields (70%). Majority felt confident and knowledgeable in the field (89%) and agreed the faculty were supportive at their training sites (90%)., Conclusion: The study highlights successes in recruiting from underrepresented minorities, particularly Black/African Americans and first-time college goers in the family into the MCH Pipeline Training Programs. Programs were successful in furthering academic and career development for most trainees. Attitudes towards MCH and the training programs were overwhelmingly positive. Continued support of these programs is critical in addressing health disparities and achieving health equity., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

This article defines and discusses 6 beliefs, attitudes, and practices that can erode or undermine self-esteem and self confidence in student-scholars from underrepresented and marginalized groups in academic settings. Specifically, the beliefs and practices are reactions to implicit bias, color blindness, imposter syndrome, internalized racism, stereotype threat, and code-switching. Mentors need to know how to discuss these reactions because they can also influence the mentoring process and academic performance. To minimize incidents or interactions that might result in scholars not being able to find their place in these settings, recommendations for basic mentoring strategies and individual- and systemic-level approaches to address institutional racism are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

This issue is a call for more culturally congruent mentorship training, support, and research on the effectiveness of mentoring strategies. The role of mentoring is fundamental to professional growth and success. Importantly, one size does not fit all. A repertoire of mentoring strategies and formats is necessary to include the talent, skills, and contributions of the next generation of diverse researchers in public health and biomedical sciences. It is incumbent on us now to grow a comprehensive knowledge base so we may best promote health and well-being for all citizens through innovative and effective strategies to support mentoring and research that eliminates health disparities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).