Tuskegee University Scholars Collaboration Reflection 2023

Summer is winding down, and with it comes the end of another successful eight-week medical immersion experience for our Tuskegee University undergraduate scholars. This remarkable cohort spent the summer participating in clinical rotations, shadowing in the operating room, working on faculty-sponsored research projects, engaging in educational seminars, and experiencing all that the Twin Cities has to offer. 

We asked this year's cohort about their experience upon the program's conclusion to continue fine-tuning this program and making it an even better experience for next year's scholars. Some of the highlights of that feedback are included below. 

As noted above, there were plenty of engagement opportunities for this year's cohort, which this year's participants welcomed. "The best part was the diversity of the specialties we were shadowing and all the insight and prep from the medical school."

Participants also enjoyed their free time outside the bustle of activity in labs and the operating room. "The program succeeded in giving us the meaningful research experience we expected. I also like the balance we were given. It was not always work 24/7, we had a good amount of free time to explore what it's like to live in MN."

Of course, this program wouldn't exist without each of you who took the time to help guide and encourage this cohort throughout their experience. Your mentorship creates a community of support for our scholars, which is critical to the success of this program. As one of our scholars put it, "This program was amazing! It truly exceeded my hopes. The staff were all so helpful and supportive. I truly felt like I found a home away from home!" 

Your support truly makes a difference. 

We are grateful to have been a part of the onset of these scholars' medical journeys, and we can confidently say that this next generation of healthcare leaders will be some of the best and brightest.

As one season comes to a close, so begins the start of another, and with that, congratulations to Ti'Mia, Kadir, Edward, and Maya on the successful completion of this year's program! We wish you an incredible school year and can't wait to see what you accomplish next. 

Pictured (left to right): Maya Ginyard, Ti'Mia Wynn, Edward Cotton V, and Kadir Freelain

Learn more about the Tuskegee University Scholars Collaboration here.