College of Physicians of Philadelphia

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It’s a STEM Summer

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Student Interns: 
Grace DiDomenico, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing 
Ashley Saravia, Drexel University College of Medicine

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Academic Preceptors: 
Stacy Ellen, DO, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine
Dalmacio Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN, FAAN, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

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Community Preceptors: 
Jeanene Johnson, College of Physicians of Philadelphia
Sarah Lumbo, College of Physicians of Philadelphia

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Community Site: 
The College of Physicians hosts a STEM internship for high school students at the Mütter Museum. The social justice-oriented program helps students develop the tools necessary to prepare for their futures and address issues that directly affect their communities.

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Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted community preceptors both with campers and with academic lesson plan development. The interns developed a vital signs workshop and taught it to the kids while exploring the social determinants of health. They planned and executed a tour of the Gross Anatomy Lab at Drexel University, including a demonstration of prosected donor bodies, and a trip to the Penn Museum, and they worked on promotional and educational material for future programs.

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Reflections: 
Grace DiDomenico and Ashley Saravia: “It was a rewarding experience to have the opportunity to create mentorships between us and the aspiring students in STEM. All the students have immense potential, and we are glad that we can be a part of their journey. Every week has been filled with fun and engaging activities, creating an educational and interactive atmosphere. By the end of the program, we felt like bigger siblings to the students where they were comfortable to ask any questions [about] college, nursing/medical school, and life.”

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Educators for Education (E4E)

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Fostering Academic and Professional Success for Philadelphia Youth

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Student Interns:
Aaditi Diwan, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine 
Maison Kennedy, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

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Academic Preceptor:
Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

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Community Preceptor: 
Anthony Singleton, President/Executive Officer, Educators for Education

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Community Site:
Educators for Education (E4E) collaborates with at-risk youth across Philadelphia to provide them with educational support and professional services. E4E aims to empower youth to pursue their interests and gives them the tools they need to work toward their goals. E4E offers a wide array of services, including parent education workshops, mentoring, tutoring, job and career coaching, professional development, and more.

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Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns helped run a health career exploration camp to expose high school students to highly sought-after careers in healthcare, assisted E4E personnel with diversion programs, and coordinated with youth and their guardians to enroll in work-based learning experiences with Career Connected Learning PHL. The interns also helped run and improve a Youth Employment Assistance Program (YEAP). With YEAP, the interns helped provide one-on-one coaching to help the youth apply for jobs and build résumés, and generated guidelines and training materials for future interns entering the program. The interns also generated materials for an upcoming youth job fair and worked on recruiting companies to participate in the event.

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Reflections: 
Aaditi Diwan: “Working with youth across Philadelphia through E4E has been an invaluable opportunity for me to engage with various communities and build relationships with the teens I mentored. As I pursue a career in healthcare, understanding the communities I serve, starting with my time at Penn Dental Medicine and beyond, is essential. BTG CHIP equipped me with tools to forge meaningful connections with the communities we work and live in both personally and professionally beyond our internship. One of the most rewarding aspects of my E4E experience was hearing about the ambitions of the young students, which inspired me to learn as much as I could to be the best mentor. Witnessing their growth in such a short time was truly remarkable. My time with E4E was fulfilling, imparting invaluable lessons on building connections that will undoubtedly enhance my ability to provide compassionate patient care in my future practice.”

 

Maison Kennedy: “At its core, Educators for Education (E4E) embodies second chances and strives to eliminate racial disparities across all career paths. Through my involvement with E4E, I had the opportunity to directly engage with youth and their guardians, gaining valuable insight into connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This experience also provided me with important skills in navigating community partnerships and working on outreach efforts. My participation in BTG CHIP, alongside E4E, has significantly helped my understanding of community health needs and given me practical skills that will undoubtedly help in my future career of public health dentistry.”
 

FamFrequency Productions

 

FamFrequency Productions Student-Artist Fellowship

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Student Interns:  
Audrey Mills, Drexel University College of Medicine
Jonathan Van Arneman, Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions, Creative Arts in Therapy

 

Academic Preceptor:  
Stacy Ellen, DO, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children 
 
Community Preceptors:  
Jonathan Edwards, FamFrequency Productions Cofounder
Lanisha Otuonye, FamFrequency Productions Cofounder
 
Community Site:
FamFrequency Productions is a music and entrepreneurship fellowship serving Philadelphia high school students. The fellowship, run by Cofounders Jonathan Edwards and Lanisha Otuonye, empowers young Philadelphia artists to be financially independent and to confidently pursue their art. The 15-month fellowship consists of an eight-week summer accelerator, followed by monthly sessions during the school year, then concludes with a second summer where they learn mixing, mastering, and performance. The fellowship aims to prepare Philadelphia high school students for careers as music entrepreneurs by providing them with skills, resources, and opportunities that allow them to build multiple streams of income with their music. https://www.famfrequencyproductions.org/ 
 
Team’s Experience: 
This was the second summer of the FamFrequency Productions eight-week fellowship. One of the Bridging the Gaps student interns selected and designed a new learning management site for the FamFrequency Productions curriculum. The other BTG intern supervised the creation of a documentary that could be used to explain the FamFrequency Productions internship to potential donors and future participants. Both interns assisted with logistical tasks such as taking student attendance, doing one-to-one weekly check-ins with students, communicating with parents, chaperoning student field trips, and assisting with day-to-day procedures.  
 
Reflections:  
Audrey Mills: “Working this summer at FamFrequency Productions with BTG CHIP was an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience. I learned so much about the rich musical and artistic community in Philadelphia. Watching young musicians learn how to make their art and financially support themselves was inspiring. I had no idea how much technology, entrepreneurial skills, and networking were involved. I am so grateful to have been able to watch students write, produce, and perform their own music at the fellowship. It was so special to see such a wonderful and thriving artistic community paying it forward and teaching the next generation of artists. I know that I will use this experience and fellowship as an example of how important and meaningful it is for students to receive a musical and entrepreneurship education.”

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Jonathan Van Arneman: “Working at FamFrequency Productions this summer was a great reminder of how impactful the arts can be when they are well supported. Watching the evolution of the students over the summer in how they used their new skills to express themselves and fortify their identities was an enriching experience. Philadelphia has historically been an incredibly special space for music, and it is encouraging to see FamFrequency Productions continue in that legacy. I know these students are going to be amazing artists and creators, and I look forward to the beauty that they are sure to add to the world.”
 

Girls Inc. 
 

Taking the Lead at Girls Inc. That’s Stronger, Smarter & Bolder 

 

Student Interns: 
Suhani Patel, Drexel University College of Medicine 
Rayna Richardson, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Creative Arts in Therapy

 

Academic Preceptor: 
Renee Kottenhahn, MD, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine  

 

Community Preceptors: 
Sandra Fontroy, Girls Inc.
Brionna Pendleton, Girls Inc.
 
Community Site: 
Using a whole-girl approach to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey serves more than 3,000 girls annually. Through Girls Inc. young girls can develop their confidence, build on their strengths, and take bold risks through evidence-based programs, mentoring, and healthy relationships, and through a safe and proactive environment with other young women. Girls Inc. equips young girls to navigate barriers and face challenges while also promoting health, wellness, independence, and opportunities for girls everywhere. 

 

Team’s Experience: 
Taking the Lead at Girls Inc. That’s Smarter, Stronger, & Bolder, captures the essence of working with passionate youth who are ready for change and impact in their schools, communities, and environments being channeled through their unique interests, curiosities, and talents. Community, collaboration, safety, and comfort were some of the igniting and blossoming factors that are expressed within this work. The Bridging the Gaps student interns led STEM-based lessons on virtual reality, 3D modeling, and astronomy; health and wellness lessons on e-cigarettes and mindfulness; and interactive personal development lessons on defining leadership, finding your own strengths, and career exploration. The goal of this work was to engage, inform, inspire, build sisterhood, and promote well-being among young girls and future leaders.

 

Reflections:
Suhani Patel: “My experience at Girls Inc. has been a memorable one. I had the opportunity to form meaningful connections with young girls who are so incredibly intelligent and kind. It was heartwarming to see their awareness of the world we live in and their passion for change and leadership at such a young age. Having the opportunity to work with adolescent girls, my fellow BTG member at the site, and other members of Girls Inc. really taught me the importance of being a listener who is attentive to the needs of those around them. Learning to promote a safe, welcoming, warm environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves, making it possible to build connection and community, has been crucial to this summer camp experience. Girls Inc. truly does embody ‘strong, smart, and bold,’ and I will be carrying that with me throughout my future endeavors.”

Rayna Richardson: “My experience with Girls Inc. has taught me the importance of operating as a student and lifelong learner, working through a lens of humility, and becoming a co-learner, co-creator, and active listener within a community. Over five weeks, I’ve had the honor of working with young women of color who are destined to become doctors, engineers, fierce athletes, and artists who have ignited new curiosities and goals within myself, specifically the importance of attunement and continuing to meet people where they are. I’ve not only had the pleasure of learning, laughing, and collaborating with my students, but they’ve shown me the value of maintaining your word and commitment in a community that builds trust and authenticity, principles that go a long way among our youth today. Thank you, Girls Inc., for the experiences I will continue to hold throughout my journey.” 
 

Hall-Mercer 

 

Journey at Hall-Mercer 

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Student Interns: 
Karimata Drame, Thomas Jefferson University, College of Population Health 
Nasir Young, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice 

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Academic Preceptors:
Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice
Maria Hervada-Page, MSS, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

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Community Preceptors: 
Beverly Bradley, LCSW, Hall-Mercer
Steve Niederriter, LCSW, Hall-Mercer

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Community Site: 
The Hall-Mercer Community Behavioral Health Center of Pennsylvania Hospital is dedicated to enriching the lives of people affected by mental illness or developmental disabilities. The Center has played a significant role in broadening the acceptance and advancing the care of people with psychiatric disorders or intellectual disabilities. 

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Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns focused on engaging clients in group activities such as bingo, outdoor walks, field trips, and playing and listening to various games. These shared experiences helped to establish trust and promote social interaction, with the aim of building rapport and creating a supportive community environment. The interns also contributed to a health education presentation on heart and oral health. As part of this presentation, interns involved clients in making a healthy parfait with fruit and granola, which served as an educational and interactive experience. This hands-on approach helped to reinforce the importance of maintaining good health habits. The final product of this effort was a comprehensive health education session that not only provided valuable information but also encouraged clients to adopt healthier lifestyles. 

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Reflections: 
Karimata Drame and Nasir Young: “Reflecting on our summer internship with BTG and Hall-Mercer, one singular impactful experience stands out. During a group activity session, we led a discussion on the importance of oral and heart health while making healthy food with the clients. This activity not only provided practical health education but also created a moment of connection and openness among the participants. This experience highlighted the power of community and the impact that compassionate, interactive engagement can have on individuals dealing with mental health challenges.”
 

Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden
 

Farm-to-Table Cooking Crew: Cultivating Culinary Skills and Wellness

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Student Interns:
Reshma Davis, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine 
Cherry Ni, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

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Academic Preceptors:
Dalmacio Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN, FAAN, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing
Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine 

Community Preceptor: 
Tyler Holmberg, Co-Director, Sankofa Community Farm

Community Site: 
The Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden is a vibrant, community-driven urban farm located in Southwest Philadelphia. It combines sustainable agriculture with African cultural heritage, emphasizing food sovereignty and environmental management. The farm provides fresh produce to the local community, engages youth through educational programs, and fosters a deeper connection to the land and cultural roots.

Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked as the cooking crew for adolescents during the summer program. They assisted in making breakfast or lunch for the students while teaching basic cooking skills and encouraging creativity to make delicious meals with vegetables grown on the farm. The interns emphasized responsibility, safety, time management in the kitchen, and teamwork. They also participated in fieldwork, which involved weeding and harvesting, and taught lessons about wellness, oral health, the use of social media, and careers in healthcare. Their aim was to inspire healthy habits and holistic well-being among the youth.

Reflections: 
Reshma Davis and Cherry Ni: “Working at Sankofa Community Farm this summer has been an incredibly meaningful experience for us. We gained a deep understanding of the issues surrounding food sovereignty in West Philadelphia, as well as the rich history, struggles, and culture of African Americans. Witnessing the connections built within this community and observing the entire cycle of fresh food production—from seeding to harvesting and selling—has been enlightening. By understanding the community’s history and the significance of food sovereignty, we hope to better grasp our patients’ stories and backgrounds beyond their immediate medical needs. This holistic understanding will enrich our approach to healthcare, allowing us to more effectively connect with and serve our patients.”

 

Students Run Philly Style
 

From the Sidelines to the Finish Line

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Student Interns:
Sarah Haynes, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Talia Zlupko, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

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Academic Preceptors:
Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice
Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine 

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Community Preceptor: 
Lauren Kobylarz, MPA, Executive Director, Students Run Philly Style

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Community Site: 
Students Run Philly Style is a mentoring program based in Philadelphia. It pairs students in grades 6 through 12 with adult mentors to help them train for and complete long-distance races, including marathons and half-marathons. The program focuses on promoting physical fitness, personal achievement, and a sense of community among its participants. By engaging in the rigorous training required for long-distance running, students learn valuable life skills such as goal setting, perseverance, and teamwork. The overarching aim is to provide a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and development through the sport of running.

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Team’s Experience: 
In addition to supporting the SRPS team with daily needs, the Bridging the Gaps student interns’ focus was to recruit, enroll, and excite parents of SRPS youth to run the Philadelphia Distance Run’s 5K on September 15, 2024. The BTG interns distributed informational posters and, along with staff and students, worked to engage parents. Grant funding enabled parents to run the 5K at no cost and receive a free training program through PWRher’d. The interns led interested parents through the PDR sign-up process, checked in on their training experience, and helped troubleshoot any difficulties the parents may have encountered.

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Reflections: 
Sarah Haynes and Talia Zlupko: “Our experience with SRPS has been uniquely collaborative and has provided a more critical perspective on running. Having both a dental student and a social work student on site created an interesting dynamic, allowing us to learn from each other and bring diverse skill sets to the program. Through SRPS, we gained insights into the historically wealthy and white culture of running and the program’s efforts to bridge this gap by diversifying its teams and ensuring inclusivity across all neighborhoods in Philadelphia. We also learned more about SRPS efforts to engage the LGBTQ+ community through its OutPace Program and its efforts in adolescent diversion through its MileUp Program. Along with creating inclusive teams, one MileUp leader shared that he intentionally has his team run through neighborhoods that were historically redlined and excluded from the running community, offering the students a different perspective and demonstrating to them that you can truly run anywhere.”​