April Scholar Newsletter 🌟

Dear Scholars,

Happy Spring! This is a message from Helena Sai, a member of BUILD EXITO's Communication Team. I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather and the new term, the sunshine is definitely needed after such a long and dark Winter. I know that recently there has been a lot on everyone's minds, with the murder of Duarte Wright shining another bright light on the state of our nation and the endless struggle for change we are forced to recognize with every incident.

As a Black woman myself, I understand that these incidents can cause a lot of emotions and trauma to be brought up to the surface. Please make sure to take care of yourself, and prioritize healing and processing as needed. You are a person first, and it is important to allow yourself time to feel emotions as such despite how busy I know we can become as scholars. If you haven't, please read BUILD EXITO's Statement of Solidarity, and feel free to reach out to us at exito@pdx.edu if you need additional support at any time.

Warm Regards,

Helena Sai

In this newsletter you will find:

Upcoming events and opportunities for scholars
Updates on Trainee Applications
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
Face of Science project!
Updates on the End of Year Celebration

Scholar Specific Updates

A big shout out to all of the Scholars who applied for Trainee Positions! Decisions will be sent to Scholars by April 30th!

For Cohort 6 Scholars, please review this email about the RLC Fair.

For Cohort 5 Scholars who are being rematched please review this email about the rematching process at the RLC Fair.

Additionally, as the end of the year approaches, we get closer to our End of the Year Celebration! Cohort 4 Scholars please be sure to fill out our survey before April 26th so we can plan accordingly for the event.

The Wy'east Post-Baccalaureate Pathway

Intended for American Indians and Alaska Natives who are on the cusp of being accepted to medical school, this program prepares scholars to excel as medical students and physicians. Citizens or descendants of federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native Tribe with a minimum AMCAS GPA of 2.6-2.8, and a four year degree are eligible!

The 10-month Pathway includes:

Immersion in an Indigenous learning community
Rigorous coursework in biomedical sciences, population health, and anatomy
Clinical observation and research experience
A monthly stipend to help offset living expenses
Intensive MCAT preparation
No tuition or fees

Applications opened April 1st, and will close on May 16th! Find out more information and apply here!

Enhance Science: Face of Science

Enhance Science is a visual media project that brings the next generation of scientists front and center. It showcases the real-life impact of initiatives that promote inclusivity and equity in STEM. Because enhancing diversity means enhancing science itself.

Ten young researchers will have their stories shared on a weekly basis throughout this project, sharing their passions, what a scientist identity means to them, and how they plan to shape the future of science. Check out their website at https://enhancescience.org/.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities:

Bilingual Spanish-English Research Assistant

CSA Partnerships for Health is looking for a bilingual Spanish-English research assistant to conduct telephone surveys in May. Approximately 25-30 hours, $15 per hour, training provided.

Please contact Dr. Betty Izumi at izumibet@pdx.edu for more information.

OHSU MD Program Virtual Information Day

Registration opens Monday April 29th for their Friday May 7th event.

Attend to learn about: The OASIS Program - a comprehensive system for medical students' advising needs throughout all years of medical school. The admissions process, how to apply and what the Admissions Committee looks for in an application. Our integrative, learner-centered curriculum, YOUR M.D. How the OHSU Center for Diversity and Inclusion supports students once on campus. Medical school financial planning, and the chance to gain insights from current medical students!

EAGLES Scholarship

Application due Saturday May 1, 2021

The EAGLES STEM Program is a collaboration between Portland State University and Heritage University designed to guide and support scholars through their academic journey. Scholars receive financial assistance, advising, & research opportunities to achieve graduation. Scholars earn degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, & mathematics) majors, including: Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Engineering, Environmental Science/Studies.

From Si Se Puede to Si Se Pudo: How to Succeed as a Latinx Student

Wednesday May 5th, 5:00-7:00pm on Zoom

Join Academic Coach, Myrna Najera Perez, and panel of experts to explore how a sense of belonging contributes to the academic and social success of Latinx students at PSU. Four $50 gift cards to Powell's Books will be raffled!

Student Sustainability Center Leadership Fellows Positions

Applications due May 6, 2021

$500 per term. Average of 4-6 hours per week. Includes leadership fellows sessions, reflection assignments, and responsibilities in your SSC program or task force. SSC Leadership Fellows gain leadership skills through bi-weekly group sessions, leading and supporting projects, and contributing to the overall success of the SSC program or task force in which they participate.

If you know of any upcoming events and/or opportunities you think the EXITO Community should know please send us an email, exito@pdx.edu. Thank You!

Additional Opportunities and Events

What We're Reading and Listening to:

Anti-Racist Science Education

Listen to this NPR Short Wave Podcast episode (13 min). Some of the most prestigious scientists in history advanced racist and eugenicist views, but that is rarely mentioned in textbooks. Maddie and Emily speak with science educators about how to broaden science education.

Just a friendly reminder, Diversity Program Consortium (DPC) and National Research Mentoring Networking (NRMN) are part of the EXITO experience for Scholars and Alumni! These programs are full of resources and opportunities.