Abstract D039: Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC): A new program to increase underrepresented minorities in clinical cancer research careers
Authors: Kaljo Kristina , Treat Robert , Rader Janet 
Published: September 2020

An eight-week intensive pipeline training program was designed to recruit and prepare underrepresented minority undergraduate students to pursue careers as clinical research professionals and obtain advanced degrees in cancer research to improve diversity and culturally responsive care in clinical cancer research. Cancer clinical trials are imperative to advance therapies and improve patient survival rates, yet barriers exist preventing underrepresented minorities (URM) from participating. There is a need to foster a diverse healthcare workforce who mirror the larger population, yet national statistics report sluggish growth in the recruitment of underrepresented minorities (URM) to scientific occupations. Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC) is a newly funded five-year National Cancer Institute R25 education program recruiting URM, to become clinical research professionals (CRPs) or seek advanced degrees in clinical cancer research. The eight-week program immerses students in hands-on experiences framed by the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trials Competency Domains. Grounded in theory of experiential learning and culturally responsive teaching, 35 faculty and CRPs taught and served as student champions, spanning pediatric oncology, oncology pharmacy, surgical oncology, gynecologic oncology, genetics, palliative care and medical oncology. Scholars experienced first-hand the methods in which complex trials provide innovative precision cancer treatments. Scholars completed a ‘Wicked Problems’ research project on cancer health disparities. Analysis of SPARCC evaluation data and one-on-one exit interviews utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods. Of 39 applications received, 62% (24/39) identified as URM and 77% (30/39) were females. All applicants were enrolled in undergraduate programs or recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Most were pursuing biomedical science majors (30/39) with interest to seek careers in healthcare (34/39). In June 2019, ten scholars were accepted (9 females, 1 male), 90% of the matriculating cohort identified as URM. Over 84 different workshops were facilitated, and Scholars participated in three, two-week practicum rotations. Workshop sessions were evaluated by students using free text, 5-point Likert scale questions rating efficacy, satisfaction, and skills of the facilitator and an overall ten-point rating. Wicked Problems projects focused on: stigma of prostate health among African American males, cervical cancer screening among Latinas, impact of food insecurities on cancer treatment, skin cancer prevention among African Americans, and improving enrollment of URMs in clinical trials. Evaluation data is forthcoming. SPARCC has paved the way as an innovative and pedagogically sound education training program for URM. By curating an experience integrating research methods, cancer epidemiology, and health disparities, Scholars have a passion for clinical cancer research.

Citation Format: Kristina Kaljo, Robert Treat, Janet Rader. Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC): A new program to increase underrepresented minorities in clinical cancer research careers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr D039.