The USF College of Public Health (COPH) is introducing a new undergraduate pathway program, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Scholar for Social Justice, starting July 11.

Each year, 30 undergraduate students will be selected into this competitive program. They will complete a specially designed, intensive one-year curriculum that includes a community-engaged service project and two virtual, five-week summer trainings with online meetings that provide an MCH career and research foundation and guide students in applying for graduate school.

Originally known as “MCH Train-A-Bull,” the newly redesigned program aims to ensure a competent and diverse MCH workforce passionate about improving health and reducing health disparities, ultimately combating the pervasive MCH challenges encountered in Florida and across the United States.

Many of the changes made from the former program were in response to what is happening in the media, communities and world today.

“Disparities in MCH are certainly not new, but the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and unfortunately the many more lives that have been lost unnecessarily, the resounding protests for the end of violence against Black people in our country, the disparities highlighted through COVID and the ongoing disparities in outcomes for Black mothers and babies made this an obvious move for this program,” said Dr. Anna Armstrong, program director and associate professor. “There is one thing we know—our students are passionate about social justice. The MCH field needs more people who will take these lessons forward to make change and improve the lives of all historically disadvantaged populations who are served through those in the field.”

This program will provide students with a foundation in anti-racism and social justice through an exploration of systemic racism as a precursor to the social determinants of health and MCH health disparities and outcomes. The scholars are guided in developing skills for reflection, dialogue and awareness to prepare them for graduate school and the future MCH workforce where they can further employ social justice principles and anti-racist practices.

Training program components include one formal course, virtual and classroom seminars, experiential learning and mentoring. Students will work closely with MCH graduate student mentors, faculty mentors and community leaders during the program.

“I am excited to engage with students about social justice and MCH because social justice is something I have worked in and had a passion for since a very young age, even prior to my work in public health. It allows me to tie my interests together! I love workforce development, mentoring students and watching them grow into their own paths,” Armstrong said. “We are laying the foundation for real social change at an MCH system level by empowering students with this knowledge and these skills. They will be reflective and intentional in their work, their decisions and their careers.”

The program is open to undergraduate students from all majors who are interested in health-related graduate programs. Students must complete the online application, including the submission of supplemental materials no later than 11:59 pm EST on May 27.

Contact the program coordinator, Dr. Parandoosh Boger-Sadeghinia, at 813-974-8561 or parandooshsa@usf.edu with questions regarding the application process, eligibility requirements or other matters.

Story by Caitlin Keough, USF College of Public Health