Training Programs

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

Training Program

MCH-STEP will recruit undergraduate students (i.e., MCH-STEP scholars) from rural, economically disadvantaged, and diverse backgrounds from three interdisciplinary academic units in ECU’s College of Health and Human Performance: Health Education and Promotion (BS in Public Health), Human Development and Family Science (BS in Child Life and BS in Family and Community Services), and School of Social Work (Bachelor of Social Work). Any undergraduate student working towards a Public Health minor are also welcome to apply. Our program trains scholars within a framework of MCH leadership competencies and provides a rich learning environment to deepen their understanding of MCH background and context and develop foundational skills through courses, learning experiences, and mentorship that supports and promotes MCH leadership and success in an MCH-focused career path.

MCH-STEP consists of 5 core components:

  1. MCH related coursework (MCH Certificate)
  2. Monthly seminars
  3. Faculty/MCH professional mentored internship or field practicum
  4. Career development (via a 4-week virtual summer professional development academy)
  5. Graduate school readiness

All cohorts will be actively engaged in core program components across 2 academic years. Scholars will receive a stipend of $2,500 during the 2-year program and additional financial support for professional development/research related expenses (up to $1,500).

Core Components

MCH Certificate

As part of MCH STEP, Scholars will complete an MCH Certificate. Required Courses HLTH 3002: Women’s Health Across the Lifespan and HLTH 3020: Understanding and Achieving Health Equity. Elective Courses (2 must be completed from the approved list) – reach out to the Leadership Team for more information.

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. 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.