College - Author 1

College of Science and Mathematics

Department - Author 1

Kinesiology and Public Health Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Public Health

College - Author 2

College of Science and Mathematics

Department - Author 2

Kinesiology and Public Health Department

Date

6-2023

Primary Advisor

Jafra Thomas, College of Science and Mathematics, Kinesiology and Public Health Department

Abstract/Summary

Intro: Global Brigades, an international non-profit organization, trains college students and other pre-professionals in community-based health promotion by mobilizing community service trips around the world, which are taught and led by local community groups. Cal Poly’s Global Brigades student group was founded in 2018, and thus far, they have carried out three annual, medically-focused brigades to Honduras (two in-person, one virtual).

Purpose: The aim of this report is to present the findings of one experiential senior project to promote Cal Poly’s Global Brigades student group[1] (conducted January to March 2023).

Methods: The student designed material for an interactive info session on the student group, promoted the event, and appraised the info session’s efficacy to (a) teach what Global Brigades is, (b) educate on the public health state of Honduras, and (c) spur interest to join the next Cal Poly brigade to Honduras (Summer 2023). Recruitment efforts occurred in partnership with campus groups and advising services that brigade members were involved with.

Results: The student delivered two 50-minute info sessions to a total of 16 people, 10 of whom were not previously involved with Global Brigades. A review of open-ended, pre-post info session questionnaire responses showed that the sessions were successful in meeting the project aims. Additionally, this year’s brigade (June 2023) will be the largest in-person brigade that the student group has had to date, with 15 students registered. The project outcomes are discussed and interpreted to support future work that may build upon the present research.

Conclusion: Through this experiential senior project, the student achieved university and department senior project learning objectives, as well as achieved program learning objectives for the Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health.

[1] Cal Poly Global Brigade’s student group is not a formally registered club, but a student-led initiative recognized by Global Brigades’ international organization as an affiliate program.

Share

COinS