VCU Acceleration Program graduates first cohort

By Malorie Burkett

This spring, Virginia Commonwealth University’s Acceleration Program is graduating its first group of students.

Launched in the summer of 2005 with an inaugural class of 24, the Acceleration Program is designed to help students whose previous K-12 educational environment might have limited their ability to acquire the math and science skills necessary to pursue a career in the health sciences.

During their freshman and sophomore years and during two summer immersion programs, the acceleration students are required to live together in a residence hall. The students take a specific set of courses together throughout the first year. There also are mandatory requirements for tutoring sessions, study groups and health-related internships and volunteer hours.

“This is a unique program opportunity for undergraduate students because it infuses support services and leadership opportunities in the health sciences curriculum,” said Cheryl Chesney-Walker, executive director of health careers/education and special services for students. “The VCU Acceleration Program spans the summer before entering undergraduate studies at VCU through admission into health care programs on the medical campus, and finally employment.”

Chesney-Walker founded the program along with Seth Leibowitz, Ed.D., director of pre-health sciences advising. This was the first program that brought together the Division of Health Careers/Education and Special Services for Students on the MCV Campus with the Pre-health Advising Department on the Monroe Park Campus.

“The VCU Acceleration Program is a vital component of the overall VCU Health Careers Pipeline. Increasing the diversity of our health care work force is a national priority to reduce health disparities,” said David C. Sarrett, D.M.D, associate vice president for health sciences.

Students who participate in the program begin during the summer session prior to their first year at VCU. The summer includes participation in the four-week student enrichment curriculum, which consists of non-credit undergraduate academic coursework, professional skills development, cultural competency workshops, realistic goal setting and exposure to various specialties in the health professions.

The summer program is designed to help students prepare for pre-health sciences core course work, chemistry and math placement tests.

“The success of the program and the students is clearly evident with the increase each year of applicants,” said Chesney-Walker. “It has reached a peak of becoming a very competitive program to enter here at VCU and has gained momentum to attract and retain highly qualified students who are pursuing a health career."

The VCU Acceleration Program has 134 students. The program will graduate 16 students this month. For more information, visit http://www.vcuhealthsciences.vcu.edu/sassdss.