AHEC Scholars
“The AHEC Scholars program has improved my cultural competence in providing care to diverse populations. I have gained a deeper understanding of the unique needs of underserved communities. The program has enhanced my ability to cmmunicate effectively, recognize cultural differences, and provide more patient-centered care.”
-Cambri, BSN
“This program was absolutely amazing! It provided me with a plethora of knowledge and resources, while also relieving some of the financial burden that comes with attending a university. Highly recommend!”
-Emily, Speech Language Pathology
“I loved AHECS! Stefanie was so helpful and always willing to lend a hand! The trainings she provided me were all essential to preparing me to effectively and efficiently enter the workforce as a speech language pathologist with new skills to communicate with a diverse population of patients. One of my favorite things about the program is that I was able to earn many certificates due to the completion of each section within AHECS which I added to my resume! Thank you AHECS for funding 3 years of my education. I couldn’t have developed beyond my current skills without you!”
-Teranesha, Speech Language Pathology
“The program has provided direct exposure to the healthcare challenges faced by rural and underserved communities. Working and studying in these settings has highlighted barriers such as limited access to care, shortages of healthcare providers, and socioeconomic factors that affect patient outcomes. It has also emphasized the importance of community-based healthcare, preventative care, and patient education in addressing these issues. The supportive environment creates a strong sense of community, with amazing resources, mentorship, and guidance.”
-Luis, BSN
AHEC Scholars is a program for undergraduate and graduate health professions students interested in enhancing their education and experiences beyond the classroom. Students will gain knowledge and experiences in patient-centered team-based care and learn about unique challenges that underserved rural and/or urban communities face.
Panhandle AHEC will award AHEC Scholars an $800 stipend upon completion of each year of the two-year program, for a total of $1600.
Program duration is two years and each year includes the following for a total of 160 hours:- Complete and submit signed participation agreement
- Complete and submit pre-survey
- 40 hours community-based, experiential, or clinical training in rural and/or underserved areas
- 40 hours online didactic education per year (self paced and focused on six Core Topic Areas)
- Complete and submit post survey
- Signed agreement to participate in one year of longitudinal tracking
The AHEC Scholars program duration is dependent on each students discipline and point of entry/exit. If you’re looking to graduate from your health professions program with distinction, consider applying to become an AHEC Scholar. Slots to participate are limited. For additional information about the AHEC Scholars Program Click Here
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, students should have a current interest in or learning more about rural or underserved healthcare, be currently enrolled in an eligible health professions degree or certificate program, and apply to the program within the correct entry point.
AHEC Scholar Eligible Disciplines and Points of Entry.Click here so we can contact you when the AHEC Scholar application becomes available or to ask us any questions!
Rotation Log
As an AHEC Scholar, at least 40 hours of community-based, experiential, or clinical training rotations will need to be submitted. Clinical observation requirements done as part of the student's health professions program may count toward the AHEC Scholars Program - contact us to find out. Rotations must take place in Texas, be in a rural and/or medically underserved area, and occur while enrolled as an AHEC Scholar.
Blank AHEC Scholar Rotation Log
EXAMPLE - Completed AHEC Scholar Rotation Log.
Application Information
Interested in applying to the AHEC Scholars Program? Click here to send us your information so we can contact you!
Please complete the application in a Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox web browser, on a Microsoft Windows based desktop or laptop computer only. Apple and/or iPhone mobile devices are not currently supported. The AHEC Scholars program is competitive! Please fill out the application with as much detail as possible, so the Panhandle AHEC Advisory Board has plenty of information when rating your application about your skills, accomplishments, what you are hoping to learn and goals! Make sure to select PH-Panhandle AHEC in the application dropdown as the AHEC location you are applying to. Applications that are submitted before September 1 are given priority, however, applications are accepted until the end of January.