Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI): Developing Career Pathways for Early-Stage Scholars From Racial and Ethnic Groups Underrepresented in HIV Science and Medicine

Abstract

Background: There is an urgent need to increase diversity among scientific investigators in the HIV research field to be more reflective of communities highly affected by the HIV epidemic. Thus, it is critical to promote the inclusion and advancement of early-stage scholars from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in HIV science and medicine. Methods: To widen the HIV research career pathway for early-stage scholars from underrepresented minority groups, the National Institutes of Health supported the development of the Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI). This program was created through partnerships between CFARs and Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions throughout the United States. Results: Seventeen CFARs and more than 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions have participated in this initiative to date. Programs were designed for the high school (8), undergraduate (13), post baccalaureate (2), graduate (12), and postdoctoral (4) levels. Various pedagogical approaches were used including didactic seminar series, intensive multiday workshops, summer residential programs, and mentored research internship opportunities. During the first 18 months of the initiative, 257 student scholars participated in CDEIPI programs including 150 high school, 73 undergraduate, 3 post baccalaureate, 27 graduate, and 4 postdoctoral students. Conclusion: Numerous student scholars from a wide range of educational levels, geographic backgrounds, and racial and ethnic minority groups have engaged in CDEIPI programs. Timely and comprehensive program evaluation data will be critical to support a long-term commitment to this unique training initiative.

Impact of a Multi-Institutional Initiative to Engage Students and Early-Stage Scholars From Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups in HIV Research: The Centers for AIDS Research Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative

“…It aims to establish programs that develop pathways for successful careers in HIV science and medicine among students and early-stage scholars from underrepresented racial and ethnic populations. 6 As described by the CDEIPI Consortium in this issue, 6 CDEIPI was launched using NIH's CFAR network. The CFARs are uniquely positioned to enhance the training of the next generation of scholars because of their ongoing collaboration across a large network of academic institutions throughout the United States.…”

“…Within the CDEIPI Coordinating Center, an Evaluation Core was charged with creating and implementing a harmonized cross-site evaluation and providing technical assistance to individual sites for their local evaluations. 6 This article describes the implementation of the CDEIPI cross-site evaluation strategies, program participants, and overarching outcomes from 15 independently developed and operated educational programs. The results of this evaluation will be used to refine future CDEIPI program offerings and informing best practices for similar pathway initiatives.…”

Supplemental Issue of the Journal of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (JAIDS): The Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI)

“…1 The second article provides a broad overview of the CDEIPI program and is coauthored by the consortium of more than 40 faculty and staff who have led the Program and Evaluation components of CDEIPI since its inception. 2 This article is methodological in nature because it describes the rationale, structure, and defining elements of the overall CDEIPI program and its focus on scholars from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority (URM) groups. It includes a US map showing the geographic distribution of the collaborating CDEIPI institutions and a table with information about the CDEIPI programs at the individual sites.…”