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Design and implementation of the Drexel University Health Explorers program
Thesis

Design and implementation of the Drexel University Health Explorers program

Brenda Denise Hughes
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Drexel University
Jun 2010
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3575
pdf
Hughes_Brenda_2010436.38 kB
PDF Access upon request, Email title, URL, or DOI to archives@drexel.edu

Abstract

Drexel University Health Explorers Health Careers After-school programs Public Health
After school programs are a valuable preventative effort for youths who would be otherwise unsupervised after school. Research shows that after school programs which allow students to engage in novel and distinctive experiences, along with interaction with caring adults, ameliorate the effects of negative social environments. Drexel University Health Explorers (Explorers) is an after school program designed to introduce teens to health careers, especially non-traditional health careers, and to provide some of the resources that are needed for students to pursue a career in health (e.g. the importance of academic achievement, knowledge of skills needed for a health career, knowledge of individual strengths and competencies). Another goal of the program was to document the process and to perform a preliminary assessment of the program. Because the number of jobs requiring at least some of post secondary education has continued to increase, college enrollment has become increasing important in securing employment. Explorers provides information on the academic preparation that is necessary for college attendance and to become a health professional. A comprehensive strategy to youth development programs is more effective than those focusing on a single strategy. For this reason, the design and implementation of Explorers relied on concepts from the Theory of Self-Efficacy, Developmental Theory, Resiliency Theory and the Positive Youth Development Framework. Constructs from these theories were used in the planning of the program's activities and were instrumental in developing a curriculum for the program. From the activities, qualitative data was analyzed to understand the barriers and the facilitators young, urban teenagers face in pursing higher education and career paths.

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