Background: Given the need for a diverse health care workforce, efforts must be made early in their education to support underrepresented minorities in medicine and the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Methods: The Eyes on the Future program introduces underrepresented minority 8th grade students to science and medicine via interactive science-based programming and mentorship by medical and graduate students. Program impact was evaluated using pre- and post-program surveys.
Results: Of 25 participating students, 24 and 22 responded to pre- and post-program surveys, respectively. Students showed strong interest in science concepts and STEM careers, with high, positively correlated, and statistically similar pre- and post-program survey responses.
Discussion: The Eyes on the Future program was well-received and represents a step towards addressing barriers to STEM careers faced by underrepresented minority students.
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