The Health Equity Scholars Program: Fostering Culturally Competent and Successful Independent Investigators in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Research

Abstract

Introduction: The Health Equity Scholars Program (HESP) addresses the critical need for a diverse, culturally competent workforce to study and treat older adults from underrepresented populations (URPs) with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). The HESP offers tailored mentored training in AD/ADRD research concepts, aiming to develop successful independent researchers. It recruits Scholars from underrepresented backgrounds as well as those passionate about AD/ADRD health equity research.

Methods: We (1) describe the fundamental elements of the HESP, and (2) present preliminary data from the HESP program evaluation results performed by an outside agency, pre-post participation surveys, and Scholar accomplishments.

Results: The HESP Scholars reported high rates of proficiency, satisfaction, and competency in nearly all evaluated areas, and have been successful in obtaining grants, promotions, and publications.

Discussion: These initial outcomes data suggest that the HESP is meeting its objective of diversifying the workforce in the field of AD/ADRD research and care.

Highlights: The Health Equity Scholars Program aims to cultivate a diverse and culturally competent workforce, who are well-prepared to study and treat underrepresented older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). The program provides tailored mentored training in AD/ADRD research concepts, with the goal of nurturing successful independent researchers. Rigorous evaluation processes for applications ensure the selection of highly qualified Scholars. The program includes tailored training activities such as seminars and grant writing workshops, and tracks Scholar achievements while undergoing annual external evaluation to enhance its training program iteratively.

Keywords: African American; Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI); Alzheimer's disease (AD); Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs); Community‐Engaged Research (CER); Health Disparities; Health Equity Scholars Program (HESP); Health and Aging Brain Study: Health Disparities (HABS‐HD); Latino/a/x; National Institute of Aging (NIA); National Institutes of Health; Non‐Latinx Whites; Underrepresented Populations (URPs); Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative (WEC).