DukeMed Activated (DukeMed A+) is an integrated science enrichment program for disadvantaged (DIS) and under-represented minority (URM) students in Durham Public Schools. A seamless continuum of staged components, the program spans grades 3-12 and is designed to: generate and sustain interest in the sciences; build academic skills including verbal, written, critical thinking, and analytic; instill a sense of responsibility to self, peers, community, and society; cultivate capacities for leadership and teamwork; and encourage pursuit of further science education and science-related careers, with a focus on healthcare and biomedical research. Using proven, age-appropriate methods, it engages students in progressively more intensive and challenging activities; methods include inquiry-based learning, hands-on/experiential exercises, mentoring, near-peer mentoring, team-based research projects, direct exposures through immersions and field trips, and cultivation of leadership skills. Creating a pipeline that prepares DIS/URM students for advanced science education and/or training, DukeMed A+ comprises 4 components, all of which have been tested. DukeMed Elementary provides experiential learning sessions for all 3rd graders in 6 schools, a weekend program for 4th graders, and a hands-on activity in a Duke lab for 5th graders. BOOST offers school-based activities to full science classes in 6th grade, plus one-on-one mentoring, exposures/field trips, and research activities to a subset of motivated DIS/URM students. BOOST XL engages 7th-9th graders in increasingly complex problem-solving and team- based research, with continued mentoring. Scientifica involves 8th-12th graders in research. An overarching theme, Mind and Body, unifies these program components. Subthemes addressed at each stage (e.g., neurobiology, motion, nutrition/metabolism) are aligned with North Carolina grade-specific science curricula. Teacher professional development and family/community involvement, both major elements of DukeMed A+, create a backdrop of student support and also enhance science teachers' knowledge base and skills, and educate the community about health, cutting-edge science, and research.

Public Health Relevance

(prepared by applicant): Currently, people from minority (URM) and disadvantaged (DIS) backgrounds are under-represented in the biomedical science and healthcare professions. To advance qualified URM/DIS individuals into the sciences, students must be engaged early and supported throughout their education. This application proposes an integrated, grade 3-12, program designed to cultivate the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors that will allow DIS/URM students to succeed in sciences, and potentially to pursue healthcare or research careers.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Office of The Director, National Institutes of Health (OD)
Type
Education Projects (R25)
Project #
5R25OD010519-03
Application #
9020272
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZTR1)
Program Officer
Beck, Lawrence A
Project Start
2014-04-22
Project End
2019-02-28
Budget Start
2016-03-01
Budget End
2017-02-28
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Pediatrics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
044387793
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705