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Howard University is home to the only HBCU Dermatology department in the nation, and as such, has a unique obligation to educate its surrounding communities. Skin Scholars, started by two Howard University alumni and current Howard University College of Medicine students, seeks to spread awareness of skin and hair conditions that commonly affect communities of color, help formulate individualized, gentle skincare routines, and provide insight on the journey to medical school and dermatology. It is our belief that working with students is one of the best ways to do this, with the hope that they’ll share what they’ve learned with their families after the school day. So far, we’ve brought Skin Scholars to inner-city DC middle and high schools; it is now our goal to bring our initiative home to Howard University.

 

The proposed event is to take place during an age-old Howard University tradition–First Friday. It is a jubilant time, commemorating culture, talent, community, and student excellence. During the event program, Skin Scholars (Howard University College of Medicine student volunteers) will provide multiple tables that students may visit to learn more about skin conditions that commonly affect our community, early warning signs, and how to best take care of their own skin.

Howard University is home to a diverse population of students–including those attending its Mathematics and Science middle school. This event program offers a unique opportunity to reach both undergraduate and middle school students on one campus. There is a long-standing tradition of mentorship between the undergraduate and graduate/professional colleges. Skin Scholars seeks to reinforce it, as well as, bridge the gap with potential pre-med students at the middle school level. Discrepancies in the presence of underrepresented minorities in medical school requires intervention prior to the undergraduate level, and it is our mission to play an active role in addressing them. Despite making up 13% of the United States population, only 3% of dermatologists in the country are Black. The exposure and mentorship provided by initiatives such as Skin Scholars to participants is crucial in contributing to an increase in this statistic.

 

Communication goals

Our overarching communication goal is to disemminate our initiative and event to the Howard University community.

 

External partners

Event sponsor: Vituity inc.

Product sponsors: Cera Ve, La Roche Posay, Vaseline, Neutrogena, Aveeno, Elta MD, Byoma and Zen in a Jar.

 

We would simply like our donors to be announced to thank them for their contribution to making the event a success.

  • Temiloluwa Owoade

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