Students from underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to pursue careers in healthcare and research. Despite the existence of many pipeline programs to reduce this disparity, there is still a need to effectively increase the diversity of the STEM workforce. Our research education program for underrepresented high school students attempts to bridge this gap by implementing the near-peer mentorship strategy by incorporating medical students in roles as program leaders and mentors. From June 2018 to August 2022, second-year medical students at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, directed an 8-week program each summer for local San Diego high school students. Alumni of our program were invited to complete a survey to assess demographic information, current education, career goals, and impacts of our program. Our research education program for high school students from underrepresented races/ethnicities and/or low-SES backgrounds was effective in influencing our students to pursue higher education and maintain an interest in STEM-related careers.
