Individuals from racialized and marginalized groups remain significantly underrepresented in psychology research at all stages, which becomes particularly evident at the graduate and faculty level. The Summer Psychology Research Initiative (SPRINT) is a free, trainee-led high school program in the Department of Psychology that aims to provide racialized students an opportunity to learn about a broad range of topics in psychology and to gain hands-on research experience. Over two weeks, SPRINT participants attend sessions covering a broad range of psychology disciplines, and training in topics including research methods, statistics, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Students apply their knowledge by working in groups to develop a novel research proposal with undergraduate and graduate student mentors. SPRINT has been successful and well-received by participants, volunteers, the university, and broader community.
Focus
- Access and transition: promote successful academic and social transitions to post-secondary education
- Outreach & Engagement: increase awareness and understanding of post-secondary pathways
Features
- Academic success
- Community engagement
- Experiential learning (e.g., co-op, internship, design challenges, field trips, etc.)
- Tutoring & mentorship
- Wrap-around services (e.g. provision of food, skills development workshops, writing centre and library access, etc.)
Timeframe
- Summer
Participants
Ages
- High school students
Groups
- First-generation students
- Indigenous students
- LGBTQ+ students
- Racialized students