Predental Program Provides Mentorship, Knowledge to Diverse Group of Students

The annual Summer Health Professions Educational Program (SHPEP) was held online again this year, but the goal remained the same: to provide a group of culturally diverse students with a preview of dental school life. "Although it was virtual, we had six full weeks of experiences for the scholars composed of academic enrichment, virtual hands-on lessons, professional school admissions presentations and social virtual interactions,'' said Dr. Rosa Chaviano Moran, Associate Dean for Admissions. "It provides a lot of satisfaction and pride to see these young students explore the different opportunities in healthcare careers and feel empowered to set and pursue their goals." The SHPEP program, established in 1989 by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is designed to boost the number of underrepresented minority students enrolling in health professions school but also includes students from a range of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Formerly known as the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), it helps undergraduate college students from across the U.S. learn about the skills and training needed to enter healthcare professions. This year 22 students participated in the program, which is held for college sophomores and juniors in collaboration with New Jersey Medical School, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy and the Nursing School.