Abstract
The underrepresentation of first-generation and minority students in graduate-level healthcare programs remains a major barrier to diversifying the U.S. healthcare workforce. This study examined whether participation in the University of the Pacific’s Summer High School Institute (SHSI), a two-week immersive program featuring faculty networking, financial aid literacy, and hands-on medical device training, enhances students’ self-efficacy in applying to healthcare graduate programs. Using a retrospective, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 95 participants and analyzed with descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests to assess perceived changes in self-efficacy. Results showed that students generally reported increased confidence after completing the program, although no statistically significant difference emerged between first-generation and non-first-generation students. Still, the trend toward higher mean self-efficacy scores among first-generation students suggests possible benefits that merit further study. These findings highlight the importance of early exposure, mentorship, and targeted resources in strengthening self-belief and career readiness among historically underserved students. Although the study was limited by selection bias and the absence of pre-post measures, it adds to the growing literature on social capital and self-efficacy in educational attainment. Future research should incorporate longitudinal and qualitative methods to better understand sustained impact and contextual influences on student outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Louw, Chelsey
(2026)
"Pathways to Success: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Social Capital in Diversifying the Healthcare Workforce.,"
Pacific Journal of Health: Vol. 9:
Iss.
1, Article 16.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56031/2576-215X.1130
Available at:
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pjh/vol9/iss1/16
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Health and Physical Education Commons
