PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

LEVELING UP INITIATIVE

Cambridge Dictionary Definition: level something up

“to increase or improve something so that it is as good as something else:

This approach has leveled standards up across the sector.

(in computer games) to get more skills, etc. for a character in a game by winning points :

Here are all the tips and tricks you need to know on how to level

up your characters quickly.”

THE
MISSION

To address the disparity of under-represented minorities (URMs) in healthcare by equipping the next generation of minority healthcare leaders.

OBJECTIVES

Increase awareness of a variety of healthcare careers,

Increase exposure to minority healthcare professionals,

Increase knowledge of criteria needed to enter a variety of healthcare fields,

Increase preparedness for community college, college, and graduate programs, and

To decrease the attrition rate of minorities in healthcare programs.

Students will gain knowledge of several different types of healthcare careers.
Students will have an opportunity to learn from a variety of minority healthcare leaders.
Students will be able to complete a search for healthcare programs program criteria.
Students will learn the necessary steps to apply for college or graduate school.
Students will learn about funding for school including scholarships, grants, and at last resort, loans.
Students will learn about professionalism in the context of personal interaction to include communication by phone and social media.
Students will lhave an opportunity to learn from a variety of minority healthcare leaders.

GOALS FOR
PARTICIPATING IN THE LEVEL UP PROGRAM THE FIRST YEAR

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE LEVEL UP PROGRAM AFTER THE FIRST YEAR

Students will be able to ask questions and seek guidance as they progress to the next step in preparing for a professional program.
Students will have increased exposure to healthcare careers and access to different minority healthcare professionals.
Students will develop a support network of URM students and professionals as they continue through school.
Students will increase exposure to strategies to succeed in both school and life.

Eligibility

URM in 9th grade through college with an interest in healthcare careers.

APPLICATION
PROCESS

Students will be asked to complete a short survey and have one reference to apply to the program. Space is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. The cost of the program is $100/year. Limited sponsorship is available based on need. Participants will be divided into high school and college to ensure content appropriateness.

PROGRAM
DESIGN

The program will consist of monthly sessions (a total of 12) where participants will meet virtually with facilitators to discuss various topics to improve awareness and knowledge needed to pursue healthcare careers. Facilitators will be leaders within a variety of healthcare related careers. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions of the facilitators as well as develop a network among their peers. Additionally, the program will sponsor one parent session (for the high school group only) to share pertinent information with parents and allow them to ask questions.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

Choosing a career

Importance of Mentorship

Using your resources

Dealing with microaggressions

Financial Aid

Applying for Scholarships

Dressing for Success

Finding the right reference

How to write a resume

Why grades are important

Community service and shadowing hours

Good First impressions (phone, social media, and voicemail etiquette)

Credit management

Interview Skills

Choosing the Right School

PROGRAM
EVALUATION

Students will be surveyed before and after the program to assess their knowledge of healthcare careers, applying to healthcare programs, and their readiness for college/graduate school. Pre and post surveys will be analyzed to determine the fidelity of the program as well as make necessary improvements. In addition, students will have the opportunity to recommend more topics they deem beneficial. Students will also be tracked for five years after program completion to determine if they were successful in pursuing a healthcare career.