BioBridge Prepares Students to Successfully Bridge into High School Biology through Cancer Research Education

Abstract

A lack of academic and social readiness limits the successful transition to high school and college for many students from populations historically underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and historically underrepresented groups in biomedical careers (HUG). Also, many families from underrepresented groups share little family health information, leading to suboptimal early health awareness, testing, and treatment. BioBridge is a 5-day summer learning program offering interactive experiences to facilitate successful transition into high school biology and to introduce students to cancer biology and biomedical careers. It also helps students gain important insights and skills and be effective communicators who can encourage discussions about cancer biology and family health history, potentially increasing early detection and treatment of cancer and decreasing its adverse effects. Over the past three summers, 97 students have participated in BioBridge and significantly increased their knowledge of biology, cancer, and cancer-related careers. They have also begun to understand the connections between science and social and ethical issues. Participants used a video platform to create discussions about cancer biology, which they then shared with their families. They found that BioBridge boosted their willingness and confidence to discuss cancer and, subsequently, other health topics with their families.