AHEC Scholars is a program for students enrolled in health care programs who are interested in supplementing their education by gaining additional knowledge and experience in rural and/or underserved urban settings. It supports students in completing 40 hours of community-based, experiential, or clinical training in rural and/or underserved areas and 40 hours of didactic education.
This program is open to students enrolled in a post-secondary health care training program in Alaska.
Support & mentorship
Learn from professionals in your field
Networking opportunities
Connect with potential employers
Work experience
Work in rural and underserved communities in Alaska
Financial aid available
Travel support to rural sites
Who is eligible? Students enrolled in a health care training program, certificate to doctorate, in Alaska.
How long is the program? One to two years. Students enrolled in their last year may still be eligible.
How does the program work? AHEC Scholars are responsible for completing 40 hours of didactic course work and 40 hours of community-based learning. Didactic hours are outside of required program curriculum and must be in the following areas: Cultural Competency, Interprofessional Education, Social Determinants of Health, Practice Transformation, Behavioral Health Integration with Primary Care, and Current and Emerging Topics. Clinical work can be counted toward community-based learning hours.
Why should I become an AHEC Scholar? Scholars benefit from a interdisciplinary cohort comprised of students from a wide variety of health care programs. The didactic programming enhances the students' understanding of working in rural and underserved communities in Alaska. Students also receive valuable work experience, support and mentorship, networking opportunities, travel opportunities and financial aid to travel to rural sites.
Is there a deadline? Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.