O2059: Pick-Up Sports and Health: A Service-Learning Model to Promote Health Literacy and Health Careers among School-Aged Children in Upper Manhattan

Background: Pick Up Sports and Health (PUSH) is an intervention promoting health literacy and health career awareness among school-aged children (SAC) in Washington Heights and Harlem, New York. Over 2.5 years, PUSH has developed a bi-monthly after-school program in elementary schools in low-income neighborhoods. Medical, public health, dental, and nutrition students from Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) serve as Health Professions Student Coaches (HPSCs), engaging over 300 SAC in sports-based mentoring and health lessons addressing local health disparities. PUSH has developed partnerships with a community coach and the New York Department of Health to design relevant, evidence-based lesson plans and activities. Initial feedback highlights positive outcomes for children and parents. To further assess impact, this study examines how PUSH’s service-learning model influences HPSCs’ development in community engagement, communication, health education, and leadership. Service-learning, which connects classroom knowledge with community engagement, has proven to enhance students' attitudes, knowledge, and skills related to community health.

Project Description: A mixed-methods approach assessed the professional development of CUIMC volunteers. Quantitative data were collected using Likert-scale surveys, while qualitative data captured participant reflections. The analysis focused on four domains: 1) Community Understanding, 2) Application of Knowledge, 3) Communication Skills, and 4) Leadership and Role Modeling.

Discussion: Twenty-five HPSCs (12 surgical, 13 non-surgical) completed the survey. Preliminary results indicate growth in all domains. Improved community understanding and a stronger sense of connectedness to the Washington Heights and Harlem community was reported by 92% of participants, with 72% selecting “strongly agree” and 20% selecting “agree.” Similarly, 92% reported enhanced ability to explain complex health topics. Additionally, 96% developed effective communication strategies for promoting healthy behaviors in children, and 92% identified as role models and leaders. Most (88%) expressed strong likelihood to volunteer again, and 84% stated PUSH helped them become better health professionals.

Conclusion: PUSH is a cost-effective, sustainable program that enhances health literacy among SAC and fosters professional and personal growth for HPSCs. By equipping future healthcare providers with empathy, communication skills, and community engagement, PUSH prepares them to address health disparities and deliver equitable care.