Community Scientist Program

The Community Scientist Program’s mission is to develop the manpower for research advocates who can work closely with cancer scientists to address cancer health disparities.

Program Dates​

Applications Due: End of Day Friday April 19, 2024

Program Acceptance Notification: Monday May 13, 2024

 Program Start – First Session: Tuesday June 4, 2024

Program specifics and application below

Eligibility

This program is open to Florida and California individuals who are Black/African American and/or Hispanic/Latino/a, 18+ years old, and are interested in learning more about cancer research advocacy, and how to share information with others affected by cancer.

Those interested in participating must:

  • Submit an interest application by April 19, 2024
  • Submit contact information for two (2) individuals who can provide a reference for you
  • Be able to participate in scheduled program activities
  • If selected for the program, be willing to complete onboarding forms so you can receive the honorarium at the completion of the program
  • Reside in Florida and/or California

Program Location

The program is hosted by the CaRE2 Center as led by the Community Outreach Core. The program will be hybrid; 90% online (virtual) and 1 day in person. This is a 10-week program, meeting once a week for a 2-hour duration. 

 Participants are being recruited from communities in and around our tri-institutional centers: Florida A & M University (Tallahassee, FL), University of Florida (Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando, FL), and University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)

Program Objectives

  • Increase manpower for cancer advocacy
  • Strengthen the network of cancer research advocates
  • Increase multi-directional communication between cancer advocates with cancer survivors, community members, academic scientists and policy makers

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss three ways that research advocacy is important to improving cancer health equity.
  • Illustrate two examples of ethical cancer research activities based on webinars/engagement.
  • Learn more about the research process
  • Engage in information sharing between fellow program participants, cancer advocates (program graduates), students, and scientists about cancer research.
  • Present cancer research advocacy project as part of the Research Showcase
  • Participate in Teach Back Opportunities