Mentorship and Hands-on Training Are Key to Extraordinary Care

Evidence indicates that mentorship and hands-on training experiences, especially in STEM fields, are important tools to launch successful careers and contribute to diversifying the field of health care. The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, with support from generous donors, funds a variety of opportunities for high school students, students pursuing a degree or credential, and lifelong learners to engage with real physician-scientists and gain exposure to various work environments. Students engaged in these programs make meaningful contributions to research, build valuable skills, and grow their professional networks.

Programs through Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University

Maximizing Access to Research Careers Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (MARC U-STAR) Program

MARC U-STAR is a 2-year research-based honors program for junior and senior students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the field of biomedical science. The program trains participants to think critically and effectively present their research with the goal of pursuing a position in a nationally ranked doctoral program.

Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program  

Students involved in the Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program participate in hands-on cancer research for 10 weeks alongside a faculty mentor. Students in this summer program receive a $7,000 stipend and engage in basic science research, clinical research, prevention/control, and population research.

Young Scientist Program (Summer Focus)

The Young Scientist Program is an 8-week summer research internship for 12-16 high school students in St. Louis. Participants are paired with two scientists and receive hands-on lab experience as well as tutoring on research. The program also focuses on strengthening scholars’ communication skills in preparation for college applications.

“BY SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRAINEES WHO ARE FROM BACKGROUNDS UNDERREPRESENTED IN MEDICINE, WE ARE ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN THE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF A MORE DIVERSE PHYSICIAN-SCIENTIST WORKFORCE.” (Grant recipient)

BESt Healthcare Institute with BJC HealthCare, Cigna, and University of Health Science and Pharmacy in St. Louis

High school students in the BESt Healthcare Institute spend four weeks in the summer participating in academic, personal, and professional development with an emphasis on exposure to health care career pathways. The BESt program sparks students’ interests in STEM-based professions and creates a pipeline of diverse health care providers and future leaders.  

Community Health Scholars Program

The Community Health Scholars program is a new, 2-year clinically focused program for rising seniors interested in hands-on experience with patients at end-of-life. The program focuses on developing future physician-leaders through a holistic and humanistic approach to medicine through medical skills training as well as direct patient care experience. All students complete clinical training specifically focused on patient observation, communication, and engagement.

Mentor Collective at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing

Through the Mentor Collective, alumni of the Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing partner with current students to promote persistence and program completion by creating a general sense of belonging and support. Mentees receive career exploration guidance and connections to college resources to build resilience, self‐efficacy, and problem-solving strategies.

“THE RIGHT MENTOR CAN FUEL STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, PROVIDE CAREER CLARITY, NURTURE INDIVIDUAL IDENTITY, AND PROMOTE OVERALL WELL-BEING.” (Grant recipient)

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If you’re interested in making a gift to advance the education and mentorship of students interested in health care, contact [email protected].