Leaders in transformation (LIT) fellowship

Building a pipeline of future leaders in public health.

Young people, particularly Black and Latino young men, are disproportionately impacted by various forms of trauma and adversity that stem from a legacy of racism and poverty. Trauma is defined as “the experiences or situations that are emotionally painful and distressing and that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope…chronic adversity resulting from discrimination, racism, oppression, and poverty.” These challenges become even more intensified when considering schools and healthcare systems are marginally equipped with the resources to address trauma on a systemic level, and the young people who experience trauma, particularly young men of color, are less likely to seek help.

The Leaders in Transformation (LIT) Fellowship is a collaboration between TRAPMedicine and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science that endeavors to critically engage future leaders in public health. As part of this effort students at King-Drew Magnet High School of Science and Medicine lead participatory action research projects that provide them a platform for informing policies and practices that reduce incidents of violence and trauma in South Los Angeles. Students receiving training on health disparities, social determinants of health, and mixed methods research. At the conclusion of the program, students present their recommendations to key stakeholders.

Youth Development: LIT Fellows participate in workshops and activities that engage them on topics related to college admissions, healthy relationships and emotional well-being.

Health education and promotion: LIT Fellows conduct surveys of their peers, coordinate community outreach, and utilize social media platforms to raise awareness about health issues in their community.

Policy and Advocacy: LIT Fellows use data collected from surveys to present findings and recommendations to CDU faculty and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.