Program Introduction/Background
Reach Out to Youth (ROTY) is a mentorship program that offers elementary school students early exposure to the medical profession through interactive Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) activities while also providing parents/guardians with the tools to best support their child's future career pursuits. ROTY goals are to teach, inspire, support, and explore through medical student created interactive workshops. This year’s workshops were based on the nervous system and included stations for taste & smell, sight, touch (including a faculty developed art component), reproductive health, and medical physical exam.  The parent program focused on aspects of mental wellness and a presentation on the primary partner school district’s reproductive health and prevention program.

Relevance to ASPBP
A notable gap exists in the allocation of resources, educational access, and opportunities within underrepresented communities in the field of medicine. Mentorship initiatives and specialized programs present avenues for addressing these inequalities by fostering the personal and professional growth of young individuals. Although numerous mentorship and outreach endeavors cater to high school and middle school demographics, we've identified a scarcity of options tailored to elementary school students. The aim of ROTY is to address disparities in medical education resources by providing elementary school students in Pontiac, Michigan with an opportunity to explore the STEMM field. This year’s iteration of the program also included an increased focus on embracing diversity by providing families with a book to read together at home and embedding a discussion on differences in one of the workshop stations. The ROTY program is also distinctive in its partnerships with not only school districts, but also with other groups who aim to inspire and enrich youth including non-profit service organizations, university departments outside of STEMM fields, and area health centers.

Target Population
ROTY functions as a pathway program for area school districts, targeting students aged 7-11. At this stage, children are encouraged to envision their potential futures. By introducing healthcare opportunities early, students can explore a career path they might not have otherwise considered. Additionally, parents and guardians of participating students are welcomed to join a parallel program. This parent program, which includes various community partners, connects families with resources to support their children while also providing insight into the students' daily learning. Combined, these elements offer an integrated approach to expanding career opportunities for families.

Lessons Learned
Through a post program evaluation, youth participants shared how they learned interesting information through engaging activities and had positive interactions with medical students. The medical student volunteers also reported the event to be a valuable opportunity to engage with the community and have expressed interest in continuing ROTY. While over 40 youth registered, one half attended which indicated barriers even with provided transportation. Future efforts will focus on improving attendance and increasing participation by collaborating with our community partners and organizations at OUWB. Overall, the program's adaptable framework along with its emphasis on collaboration and cultural relevance, ensures its transferability to different contexts, aiming to inspire youth and foster community connections.