Grant Application

Steven Evans, MD

Proposed Innovation

Despite advances in medicine and public health, disparities in health and health care continue to persist. These disparities became even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the biggest barriers to health equity is the lack of diversity in the health professions. Designed as a local response to this inequity in minority representation, this initiative focuses on promoting careers in medicine to area high school students of color.

Improvements in Action

The program will provide immersive research opportunities and sustainable mentoring relationships over the course of two summers for high school juniors and seniors. A team of doctors will mentor and guide students in exploring future careers as doctors, scientists, and researchers.

It involves collaboration between the Pittsburgh Public Schools, the Hillman Summer Academy, and UPMC educators and scientists. This summer’s first class will begin with 11th graders.

Intended Outcomes

The creation of immersive summer research opportunities across disciplines with mentoring of underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students will serve as a bridge to creating an increasingly diverse physician pool. It also will help build health equity in the communities served by UPMC by encouraging interest in health sciences careers.