Five Core Components

Maternal and Child Health Scholars, Training, and Enrichment Program (MCH-STEP)

Core Components

MCH-Related Coursework

As part of MCH-STEP, scholars will have an opportunity to take foundational MCH-related courses (HLTH 3002: Women’s Health Across the Lifespan & HLTH 3020: Understanding and Achieving Health Equity).

Additional MCH-related coursework will be completed via MCH Navigator. The MCH Navigator is a centralized portal for pursuing continuous learning in MCH and is designed to help emerging and established MCH professionals and students map professional growth pathways. This learning portal includes short videos, tutorials, learning guides, readings, presentations, and other online learning opportunities to guide learners through various topics related to MCH.

Monthly Seminars
During the academic year, scholars will attend monthly seminars that will engage them in reflective discussions on a variety of MCH-related topics or issues, health equity, and social justice work. Faculty mentors and scholars will be invited to identify topics and lead discussions.

Internship/Practicum

The internship/practicum experience provides “a practical work experience.” It allows MCH-STEP scholars to acquire skills and knowledge related to career goals in a real work setting, build a network of professional contacts, and gain additional skills such as interviewing, communication, and working with other team members. It also provides an opportunity for scholars to make the transition between the purely academic and the practice aspect of the profession.

Career Development

MCH-STEP Scholars will participate in the Summer Professional Development Virtual Academy, which will provide scholars with professional development activities that will prepare them for future MCH-related careers. This 4-week virtual academy will consist of the following innovative components:

  • Learning with MCH-Professionals Series: This series will expose scholars to a variety of career paths and perspectives from MCH-professionals and leaders in research, community organizations, health departments, clinical practice, and advocacy.
  • Career Skill Development Activities: These activities will include: (1) resume and cover letter workshops and technical assistance; (2) elevator speech development; (3) interviewing skills (in-person and virtual); (4) job search skills; and (5) personal 5-year action plan development
  • Research Skills Development: Scholars will receive training in: (1) developing effective scientific poster/oral presentation; (2) public speaking and presentation etiquette); and (3) grant writing (technical assistance in applying for the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Award grant program for undergraduates).
  • Wellness Wednesdays: This will be time dedicated to personal development and building crucial life skills. Scholars will have virtual lectures on stress reduction, financial literacy, networking and etiquette skills, and other areas of interest as identified by scholars.

Graduate School Readiness

These workshops will increase access to MCH advance training opportunities, facilitate the graduate school application process, provide scholars with resources for GRE/GMAT/MCAT/LSAT Prep, and application logistics. Guidance and assistance will also be provided for written statement, recommendation letters, and financial aid and scholarship applications.