What Are Students Saying?

"I learned valuable information and was inspired by the speakers, their individual journeys, and the level of devotion they invested in our success as young people.  I returned home a different person...a young aspiring public health professional with a new sense of responsibility and passion for reducing health disparities in the US."

"I learned an enormous amount of valuable information which I will definitely use in my career...this internship is an amazing opportunity."

"The RISE-UP staff were excellent! They offered so much knowledge and help during the program from research experience to future career plans/goals. The program seemed like a big family."

Scholar Experiences

Clinical track rotations include observations within the MCH disciplines such as observing a therapist (physical, occupational, or speech language pathology) during an evaluation or treatment session with a client.  The Undergraduate trainee may assist the therapist in preparing for the scheduled session, completing the session by discussing observations and recommended treatments, and possibly documenting events about the intervention session.

Some departments provide an interdisciplinary environment, i.e., several disciplines within one department working as a team to provide patient care; other experiences may provide a single discipline exposure but work with other disciplines outside of their own to ensure the best care for the patient and family.

Community engagement and advocacy opportunities include interacting with state and local health organizations to develop an understanding of systems of health care and collaboration between agencies and systems to promote health. Trainees may participate in outreach visits to community-based organizations, assist with collection of epidemiological data to inform public health and maternal and child health policy, and assist with the preparation of policy briefs and monitoring of legislation which may impact patient care.  Some experiences may include attending special forums and community-based trainings focused on people with disabilities and their families; developing health education programs; and recruiting and training peer advocates for the prevention of various health problems (e.g., HIV/AIDS).

Past research experiences have included:

  1. Development of a sustainable state-wide system to measure school climate, the school environment, student engagement, and school safety in high schools.
  2. Research to provide an empowerment –educational program aimed at increasing women’s awareness of potential harm, options and safety planning, thus preventing further victimization, reduce exposure to partner violence and to improve maternal and infant out comes
  3. Assist with the development of a community needs assessment pertaining  to the prevention of childhood obesity among the Lower Brule Sioux.
  4. Students assist in the coordination and planning of a substance abuse and HIV intervention with homeless youth.