Overview

Apply today for our next cohort of AHEC Scholars!

Chicago AHEC Scholars is part of a national program designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities facing today’s health professions – and to ensure that they are effectively contributing as up-and-coming health professionals. AHEC Scholars make meaningful connections that can lead to and strengthen future employment. They network with students from a variety of health fields and meet local employers and learn about career opportunities in the area.

AHEC Scholars take part in a variety of opportunities:

• Job shadowing
• Career coaching
• Virtual networking
• One summer institute per year
• Immersion experiences in underserved communities
• Participation in a community service-learning project

Virtual options are available for all program components.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be third or fourth year undergraduates or graduate students enrolled in a health career program. AHEC Scholars is also open to associate degree students in selected health career programs.
• Applicants must be available to begin this program at the start of April 2023.
• Applicants must be able to make a two-year commitment.
• Applicants must have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection.
• All Chicago area students who meet the requirements will be considered.

Each year of the AHEC Scholars program includes 40 hours of community-based, experiential, or clinical training in an underserved area and 40 hours of didactic education focused on the program’s core topics:

• Interprofessional Education
• Behavioral Health Integration
• Social Determinants of Health
• Cultural Competency
• Practice Transformation
• An emerging issue important to the local area

AHEC Scholars who successfully complete the required activities will receive a $250 award in each year and a certificate of completion at the end of the second year.