September 12, 2024

Empowering Future Health Leaders: SHPEP Scholars Innovate at HPRC

Kenzie Lock

SHPEP scholars and mentors from left to right. Mentors are the first and last people in each row. Everyone else are scholars. Front row: Lesley Steinman, Haben Berhane, July Paw and Sherry Wu Back row: Kenzie Lock, Hannah Jones, Vivian Agugo, Melanie Polanco, Madeleine Loua and Marlana Kohn

This summer, HPRC hosted six undergraduate scholars who were part of the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP). SHPEP is a free, six-week transformative summer experience for first- and second-year college students interested in pursuing careers in the health professions. Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the program provides academic enrichment in sciences and math, clinical experiences, and career development activities. SHPEP aims to increase diversity in health professions by enhancing the academic proficiency and career development of students who are underrepresented in these fields. By doing so, the program hopes to address the nation’s need for a culturally diverse workforce. 

Scholars Haben Berhane, Madeleine Loua and July Paw supported the Pierce County Local Impact Network (LIN). Scholars Vivian Agugo, Hannah Jones and Melanie Polanco supported the Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives (PEARLS). 

LIN Scholars 

The LIN is a community-public-foundation partnership funded by the Arcora Foundation and housed within the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. The LIN connects people, groups, and organizations within the community to improve oral health in Pierce County, with a special focus on those most in need. Drawing from published literature and personal experiences, SHPEP scholars Berhane, Loua, and Paw identified the significant challenges that both youth (16-19 years old) and older adults (60+) face with smoking and vaping, along with the harmful impact these habits can have on oral health. Motivated by these concerns, the scholars launched a public health campaign specifically tailored to these two groups. The scholars designed two compelling infographics and four targeted social media posts, all aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and vaping on oral health. These resources will be shared across HPRC’s and community partners’ social media platforms and shared on campus to inspire positive change and promote healthier habits. 

Sample Instagram post of a BeReal countdown showing youth vaping in one photo with an image of the effects of vaping on teeth in another
Sample Instagram post showing a before and after of vaping over time.
Sample Instagram post saying Ditch the smoke and inviting students to join the smoke free revolution.

PEARLS Scholars 

PEARLS is an evidence-based program that offers community-based depression care for older adults funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other funders. With the program focusing on expanding equitable access, Augo, Jones and Polanco decided to create a dynamic summative poster showcasing the innovative ways social service and community-based organizations (CBOs) have adapted PEARLS to overcome barriers in traditional mental health care. Drawing on a mix of PEARLS resources, published research, personal experiences with elders, and insights from PEARLS partners nationwide, the scholars crafted a compelling visual presentation. They also visited the IDIC Filipino Senior and Family Services, a local organization implementing PEARLS, to engage with participants and see firsthand how the staff has integrated Filipino culture into the program. The scholars final poster not only highlighted these adaptations but also brainstormed how PEARLS can enhance mental health access for diverse older adults including Latine, Black, LGBTQIA+, QTBIPOC, and rural older adults living in poverty, offering fresh perspectives on improving care. 

PEARLS scholars dance with older adults at the IDIC.
PEARLS scholars stand on a stage as they introduce themselves to the older adults at the IDIC.
PEARLS scholars have lunch at the IDIC.

Wrapping Up 

As the SHPEP program ended, scholars showcased their projects in poster presentations. Faculty, staff, and community members—including local high school students—gathered to interact with the scholars and explore their work. The event was a celebration of their achievements and a step forward in their promising careers as the next generation of public health and healthcare leaders. Scholars and mentors said the following about their experiences with SHPEP and their time at HPRC: 

“As a student who is interested in cultural awareness practices and community engagement work, SHPEP has allowed me to witness what these two critical skills look like in the health and wellness field. I hope to bring these perspectives to my college as a student leader, especially with my campus’ office of intercultural life and cultural organizations.”

Vivian Agugo, SHPEP Scholar

“Being a mentor for the SHPEP program was the highlight of our summer. The students brought such great ideas and energy to the table. We were all inspired and invigorated by the conversations and their poster that brought key messages together for supporting older adult mental health equity. The future is now!”

Lesley Steinman, SHPEP Mentor

Haben Berhane, July Paw and Madeleine Loua (LIN scholars) stand next to their poster.

“When I started SHPEP I was unsure of what to expect, but it was a life-changing experience. SHPEP exposed me to many outside perspectives. However, there was a recurring theme that I will always remember. Your life is not one straight path, every person I talked to expressed that. Allowing yourself to learn what you enjoy and what you don’t is never a waste of time. I will carry that with me whenever I try to rush to the finish.”

Hannah Jones, SHPEP Scholar

“My involvement in the six weeks of the SHPEP program strengthened my passions in healthcare and science. I feel more prepared to continue my journey as a pre-health student. Specifically, the public health track broadened my knowledge about future career possibilities and how I can pursue both public health and healthcare. My ambitions have grown, and I am exploring career possibilities that I wasn’t even aware of previously.”

July Paw, SHPEP Scholar

Hannah Jones, Melanie Polanco and Vivian Agugo (PEARLS scholars) stand next to their poster.

“Being a mentor for these scholars was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was inspiring to see our scholars’ enthusiasm for learning and their dedication to creating positive change in their communities. They had so many wonderful ideas and great insights. It was an honor to witness their brilliance firsthand.”

Kenzie Lock, SHPEP Mentor

“Working with Lesley and Sherry reaffirmed my decision to pursue a career in public health, as their passion and drive deeply resonated with me. Initially, I sought clinical experience because I thought that would allow me to make the most interactions with community members, but this opportunity revealed that public health research isn’t limited to being behind a desk—it also involves meaningful engagement with community members. This experience has broadened my perspective and solidified my commitment to a career that combines both research and direct community involvement.”

Melanie Polanco, SHPEP Scholar

Looking to the Future

HPRC extends its gratitude to this year’s scholars for their unique insights, dedication, and outstanding contributions to their projects. We are excited to see how their innovative approaches and passion will shape the future of public health and healthcare. We look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make.