Service-Learning in the Virtual Space: Mixed Method Analysis of STEPS Pipeline Program (original) (raw)

• Katherine Ceglio, Indiana University School of Medicine-West Lafayette, Purdue University Department of Medical EducationFollow
• Julianne Stout, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Veterinary AdministrationFollow

Abstract

North Central Indiana Area Health Education Center (NCI-AHEC) aims to develop the healthcare infrastructure by encouraging rural students to pursue healthcare professions. In light of rural healthcare shortages found in Indiana, they implemented a pipeline program, Successfully Training and Educating Pre-medical Students (STEPS). This program offers mentoring and educational assistance to pre-health-professional undergraduate students at Indiana University – Kokomo. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Purdue research team partnered with NCI-AHEC to conduct a completely virtual mixed method study that examined the initial impact of the STEPS program and made recommendations for improvement.

The opportunities for virtual collaboration created during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for thorough evaluation of NCI-AHEC’s STEPS program. Initial evaluation suggests that the STEPS program is beneficial in assisting rural students on their path to a career in healthcare. Using the actionable recommendations that came from this study, NCI-AHEC will contribute to a growing generation of capable, well-prepared healthcare providers in rural Indiana.

Recommended Citation

Ceglio, Katherine and Stout, Julianne (2021) "Service-Learning in the Virtual Space: Mixed Method Analysis of STEPS Pipeline Program,"Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement: Vol. 8 : Iss. 1, Article 17.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284317420

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