Abstract PO-020: Cancer Research Opportunities for Youth at Yale: Advancing the diversification of the cancer research pipeline

Abstract

Background: The goal of the Cancer Research Opportunities for Youth (CROY) at Yale Program is to advance the diversification of the cancer research pipeline by providing young people from groups traditionally underrepresented in cancer research with hands–on experience, mentoring, and the opportunity to collaborate with Yale Cancer Center (YCC) research teams. Our purpose is to report on researcher and student experiences and lessons learned in this unique training program. Methods: Pre- and post- survey data were collected from researchers and scholars in each year of the program, 2017-2020. Results: Scholars were placed in five of six YCC Research Programs: Cancer Prevention and Control; Developmental Therapeutics; Genomics, Genetics and Epigenetics; Radiobiology and Radiotherapy; and Virus and Other Infection-associated Cancers. With 2 years minimum per student, available slots decreased over time. Averaging 26 applicants per year, the acceptance rate was 18% (14/78). In year 04, with COVID-19 pandemic, 2 returning students were offered remote internships in the community research. Scholar Characteristics: Over the 4 years of CROY, we trained 14 scholars, with 36% (5/14) entering 10th grade, 50% (7/14) entering 11th grade, and 2 (14%) entering seniors. 43% (6/14) of scholars were female. Six (43%) scholars self-identified as African American/Black, 50% (n = 6) were Hispanic/Latinx, and 1 (7.1%) student was Asian and a recent immigrant. Ten of 14 (71%) qualified for free school lunch, a proxy for socioeconomic hardship. Pre- Post Scholar survey results: Students reported being supported by their research teams, learning new research skills, and feeling comfortable asking questions of trainers. With few exceptions, the internship experience resulted in higher scores (positive impact) on the post survey compared with the baseline for scholars. The largest changes (10% increase on a 10 point scale): 1) “I would consider a career in cancer research”, and 2) “I am confident working in a lab”, whereas there was a 4% decrease on 2 items: 1) “I am confident doing a literature search”, and 2) “I consistently do my best at school”. Results from investigator data were positive, with some researchers expecting students to have more experience before joining their labs. Lessons Learned: 1) Logistical constraints included shortened summer holiday in northeast, US.; 2) Researchers vary in preparedness for younger students; pre- internship training of investigators may help manage expectations; 3) Timely communication with HS students is challenging; texting and parental involvement were helpful; 4) Retention of scholars is complicated by extraordinary challenges associated with social determinants, including death of parents, living in foster care, leaving program to help with family business, and financial issues that limited college choice. Conclusion: Programs aimed at young adults underrepresented in research require flexibility in setting expectations and organizational structure. Citation Format: Beth Anne Jones, Rachel Clare, Steven J. Parra, Sakinah Suttiratana, Hannah Behringer. Cancer Research Opportunities for Youth at Yale: Advancing the diversification of the cancer research pipeline [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-020.