Increasing Nursing Diversity

A visit to the Flint Farmer's Market, meals, and a walk to food establishments in the downtown are part of a project that includes educational programming related to nutrition and physical activity that help area youths explore the relationship between nutrition, activity, and health. 

Flint area middle and high school students are participating in the fourth year of summer programs sponsored by the University of Michigan-Flint Initiatives for Nursing Diversity (UM-FIND).  Minority and disadvantaged youths are introduced to the nursing profession by providing academic, personal, and health enrichment programming.  Understanding the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and establishing healthy eating habits is particularly important for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to encourage health promotion, disease prevention, and overall maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

UM-FIND is sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose of the project is to increase the level of diversity, and cultural competence in Flint's nursing workforce.  There are approximately 34 students participating in UM-FIND summer programs this year. Many previous student participants have matriculated through the UM-FIND pipeline and have enrolled at UM-Flint on the pre-nursing, pre-med, pre-physical therapy, and education track.

The Community Foundation of Greater Flint provides a grant of nearly $5,900 to support the program.