Evaluation of a Remote Youth Health Advocate Training Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Since 2016, Changing Health through Advocacy & eMPloyment In Our NeighborhoodS (CHAMPIONS) has utilized in-person programming to engage high school students from underserved Chicago communities in health advocacy education and exposure to health professional careers. Objective: Describe outcomes after CHAMPIONS’ shift from in-person to remote programming during the corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The Summer 2020 remote program consisted of four main activities: 1) didactic public health curriculum, 2) phone calls to COVID-19 patients, 3) COVID-19 community health projects, and 4) health professional speaker series. Program evaluation consisted of pre-/post-program surveys and focus groups. Results: Participants were very satisfied with CHAMPIONS and reported increased healthy habits, self-efficacy, and knowledge. “First-hand experiences” increased equivalently or more for the remote compared to in-person cohorts. Conclusions: The remote CHAMPIONS program maximized positive effects for participants. Strengths and lessons learned may be used in future enrichment programs to improve accessibility and exposure for underserved students.