Engaging communities in cancer research: Outcomes from the CaRE 2 health center's 2025 community scientist ambassador program

Background: Collaborative relationships between communities and scientists are essential for ensuring inclusivity and relevance in cancer research. The Florida-California Cancer Research, Education, and Engagement (CaRE 2 ) Health Center established the Community Scientist Research Ambassador (CSRA) Program to train community members to become informed about cancer research. The program, now in its eight years, aims to increase knowledge about cancer and ongoing research, improve confidence in community research engagement, and expand two-way communication between community members and researchers to promote full participation in cancer studies. Recruitment occurs primarily through community organizations, the CaRE 2 registry, and personal networks. Methods: The CSRA program is implemented over ten weeks using a hybrid learning model that includes 90% virtual sessions and one in-person laboratory experience. The curriculum addresses topics such as cancer health differences, social determinants of health, policy, ethics, genomics, and community-based participatory research. All materials and sessions are available in English and Spanish with human interpreters. Participants complete pre- and post-program surveys to assess their knowledge, self-efficacy, and satisfaction, and complete an individual project. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Of the 21 participants in 2025, 85.7% were female, 93.3% identified as Black/African American, and 35.0% identified as Hispanic/Latino. Most participants (66.7%) held a university degree or higher. Cancer knowledge scores significantly increased by program end (mean proportion correct 0.73 ± 0.08 pre-program vs. 0.81 ± 0.09 post-program; p=0.001), indicating higher understanding of cancer research concepts. Self-efficacy scores also improved (mean 4.39 ± 0.69 pre vs. 4.75 ± 0.45 post; p=0.032), reflecting increased confidence to share cancer research information with others and engage in advocacy. Participant satisfaction was uniformly high (mean satisfaction score 4.91 ± 0.20; evaluation score 4.79 ± 0.31), with nearly all respondents affirming that they gained new knowledge, improved their support skills, and intended to share information with others in their communities. Conclusions: The CaRE 2 Community Scientist Research Ambassador Program effectively enhanced cancer research literacy and self-efficacy among community members completing the program. The CSRA program is responsive to community needs, fosters community capacity, strengthens communication with scientists, and promotes participation in cancer research. Sustaining and scaling this program advance cancer research by bridging gaps between community engaged ambassadors and the scientific enterprise.