A2.02 - Oral Session: Growing MCH Leaders from the Ground Up: Five Years of Impact Through Ecu’s MCH-STEP Program

Brief Abstract Summary: The Maternal and Child Health Scholars, Training, and Enrichment Program (MCH-STEP) at East Carolina University reflects SOPHE 2026’s theme, Local Roots, Global Impact. Now in its fifth year, MCH-STEP has supported undergraduate students, many first-generation college students from rural areas with limited access to resources, preparing them to lead in maternal and child health across clinical and community settings. Federally funded, the training program weaves together coursework, mentorship, internships, professional development, and a virtual summer academy. Scholars complete an MCH Certificate, attend monthly seminars, and engage in mentored field experiences. This session will share key findings from evaluation data collected over five years, including academic and career outcomes. Current scholars will be present to share their personal journey, reflecting on how MCH-STEP shaped their confidence, career, and sense of purpose as an emerging public health professional.

Detailed abstract description: The Maternal and Child Health Scholars, Training, and Enrichment Program (MCH-STEP) at East Carolina University reflects SOPHE 2026’s theme, Local Roots, Global Impact: Transforming Health through Education. Now in its fifth year, MCH-STEP has supported a growing community of undergraduate students, many first-generation college students from rural areas with limited resources, preparing them to lead in maternal and child health (MCH) across clinical and community settings.
Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), MCH-STEP is a training program that integrates academic coursework, mentorship, internships, professional development, and a virtual summer professional development academy. Scholars stay in the program for two years and complete an MCH Certificate, engage in monthly seminars, and participate in mentored field experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world application. MCH-STEP Scholars also engage in professional development opportunities such as attending a national conference or becoming a doula. The program emphasizes leadership development, personal growth, and graduate school readiness, guided by the MCH Leadership Competencies framework.
Over the past five years, MCH-STEP has cultivated a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore their passions, build professional networks, and develop the skills needed to become thoughtful and effective public health leaders. The program’s intentional focus on mentorship and experiential learning has helped students gain confidence, clarify career goals, and envision their future impact in maternal and child health.
This presentation will share key findings from evaluation data collected throughout the grant cycle, including academic outcomes, graduate school enrollment, and career trajectories. It will also highlight student reflections on mentorship, leadership development, and the value of being part of a supportive learning community. Current MCH-STEP Scholars will join the session to share their personal journey through MCH-STEP, offering insight into how the program has shaped their growth as an emerging professional and inspired their commitment to improving health outcomes for families and communities. MCH-STEP demonstrates how undergraduate education can be a powerful lever for the health of women, children, families both locally and globally.