The Role of Latino High School Students as Data Collectors in Community-Based Participatory Research

An important aspect of conducting studies related to Latino health and well-being is gaining access to the community and obtaining accurate information about their status. However, a significant barrier to obtaining these data is their reluctance to speak with researchers. To assess Latino healthcare needs, a study was conducted amid the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural Midwest community where the Latino population has nearly doubled since 2010. The study used a community‐based participatory research (CBPR) approach that involved bilingual Latino high-school students as data collectors. This manuscript describes the methodology used to recruit students, train them in responsible research methods, and gather their experiences during and after the data collection period. The students' reflections detailed how their experiences with CBPR influenced their awareness of community issues and their personal or professional development. We demonstrate how "youth of the community" can be a valuable resource in Latino community research.