» Program Impacts

The APS K-12 Minority Outreach Fellowship cultivates partnerships between minority physiologists and K-12 teachers and students. Activities foster communication between minority trainees (graduate and postdoctoral students) and middle/high school minority students. Physiology trainees visit K-12 classrooms, help conduct teacher professional development workshops, and attend scientific meetings.

Since the program's official inception in 2006, Outreach Fellows have reached almost 800 students in five states in schools and learning centers. Presentations range from large to small groups and included demonstrations on topics such as: blood flow and oxygen delivery changes from rest to exercise; the relationship of exercise to hypertension and heart disease; the importance of exercise to human health; the scientific method; careers in physiology, and diversity among scientists.

Program impacts have been positive and are assessed through pre/post surveys and fellow reflections. See preliminary results and read Fellow final reports in the Resources Section below.