AHEC Scholars Program

Hands-On Training for Future Healthcare Leaders

The Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program prepares health professions students through advanced training, interprofessional learning, and community-based experiences focused on rural and high-need populations. Open to students in primary care–related disciplines—including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, mental health counseling, laboratory sciences, social work, community health, and applied health—the program offers opportunities for future healthcare professionals to deliver collaborative, community-centered care and improve access to quality services in underserved communities.

Why Become an AHEC Scholar?

  • Gain real-world experience in rural and high-need communities
  • Build teamwork and leadership skills
  • Expand career and networking opportunities
  • Make an impact in communities with limited healthcare access
  • Earn national recognition upon completion
Become an AHEC Scholar: Apply Today
Red and blue Texas AHEC East logo
Program Highlights
Requirements & Eligibility
Submit an Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Alumni Association

Program Highlights

Didactic Learning

40 hours per year of online and in-person instruction

Experiential Learning

40 hours per year of clinical rotations, community-based, or simulation experiences

Flexible/Concurrent Credit

Many requirements align with coursework already completed in your degree or certificate program

Commitment

Two-year participation (one year for some disciplines like CHW and applied health)

Citizenship and Eligibility Documentation

In accordance with federal requirements, all AHEC Scholars must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence before receiving program benefits.

Acceptable documentation includes (one of the following)

Scholars may also be asked to complete a legally binding self-certification form confirming their status.

In addition, all Scholars receiving stipends are required to submit a W-9 Form (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) as part of their onboarding packet.

All documentation must be on file before Scholars are eligible to receive stipends, services, or program support.

Required Courses

Students currently enrolled in health professions or allied health program are invited to apply. View the full list of eligible disciplines.

All required “Introduction” didactic modules are available on the AHEC Scholars Moodle site. Contact txaheceast@utmb.edu if you need assistance.

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  • Year 1 Didactic Requirements and Electives (All Students)
    Didactic RequirementsTopic Area# of Hours
    Introduction to Interprofessional Education Interprofessional Education1
    Introduction to Social Determinants of HealthSocial Determinants of Health1
    Introduction to Behavioral Health IntegrationBehavioral Health Integration1
    Introduction to Cultural CompetencyCultural Competency1
    Introduction to Practice TransformationPractice Transformation1
    Introduction to Current & Emerging Health IssuesCurrent and Emerging Health Issues1
    Introduction to Connecting Communities and Supporting Health ProfessionalsConnecting Communities and Supporting Health Professionals1
    Introduction to Virtual Learning and TelehealthVirtual Learning and Telehealth1
    Student-Requested Didactic ActivityVarious Options32

  • Year 2 Didactic Requirements and Electives (All Students)
    Didactic RequirementsTopic Area# of Hours
    Didactic ActivitiesVarious Options40

  • Year 1 Experiential Electives (UTMB Students)
    Experiential Electives (40 hours of your choice selected from the options below)Topic Area# of Hours
    Disaster DayInterprofessional Education3
    What’s Wrong with WarrenInterprofessional Education3
    Bafa BafaCultural Competency3
    Poverty SimulationSocial Determinants of Health, Cultural Competency3
    Interprofessional Clinical or Community Experience (clinical rotation, volunteer activity, community health experience, health fair, outreach event, etc.)Interprofessional EducationVaries
    Student-Requested Experiential ActivityAnyVaries

  • Year 2 Experiential Electives (UTMB Students)
    Experiential Electives (40 hours of your choice selected from the options below)Topic Area# of Hours
    Disaster DayInterprofessional Education3
    What’s Wrong with WarrenInterprofessional Education3
    Bafa BafaCultural Competency3
    Poverty SimulationSocial Determinants of Health, Cultural Competency3
    Interprofessional Clinical or Community Experience (clinical rotation, volunteer activity, community health experience, health fair, outreach event, etc.)Interprofessional EducationVaries
    Student-Requested Experiential ActivityAnyVaries

Submit an Application

Take the next step in your health career journey. Complete the application to get started.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Who can apply?

    Students must be enrolled in either:

    • A Certified Health Worker (CHW) course, or
    • A health professions program (minimum two years) that leads to a degree or certificate

    Applicants should be practice ready at program completion, meaning they are prepared to enter the healthcare workforce with their training.

  • How long is the commitment?
    • Health professions students: Two years
    • 40 hours of didactic learning + 40 hours of experiential learning each year
    • Certified Health Worker (CHW) students: Duration of your course

  • Why become an AHEC Scholar?
    • Gain real-world experience in rural and high-needs communities
    • Build skills in interprofessional teamwork
    • Strengthen your résumé and professional network
    • Make a meaningful impact in underserved areas
    • Receive national recognition upon completion

  • What is involved?

    Each year includes:

    • 40 hours of didactic learning (online modules, webinars, seminars, and more)
    • 40 hours of experiential learning (clinical work, community service, simulations, or rotations)

  • What is the difference between didactic and experiential learning?
    • Didactic learning: Coursework, AHEC modules, webinars, conferences, or lectures focused on core topic areas
    • Experiential learning: Hands-on activities such as clinical rotations, preceptorships, volunteering, or simulations in rural or high-needs settings

  • What is the application deadline?

    The program runs July 1 through June 30.

    You may apply at any time and count eligible hours completed within that program year.

  • How do I apply?

    Complete the online application. The form will open in a new window.

    CHW students use the same application and will receive next steps from their instructor if accepted.

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  • How quickly are applications reviewed?

    Applications are typically reviewed within two weeks. You will receive a decision during that time.

  • What does the program look like?

    Year 1

    • 40 didactic hours
    • 40 experiential hours
    • $500 stipend opportunity

    Year 2

    • 40 experiential hours
    • $1,000 stipend opportunity
    • Completion of a didactic pathway project

    To meet Year 2 didactic requirements, you will choose one of the following:

    Research Project

    Develop and present a research poster based on a core topic area. Your poster should include:

    • Background
    • Methods
    • Results
    • Conclusion
    • References

    Module Development

    • Create a presentation (minimum 15 slides)
    • May be completed independently or with another AHEC Scholar

  • What are the core topic areas?
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cultural Competency
    • Current and Emerging Health Issues
    • Interprofessional Education
    • Practice Transformation
    • Social Determinants of Health
    • Virtual Learning and Telehealth
    • Connecting Communities and Supporting Health Professionals

  • Does my program qualify?

    If your program meets the criteria above and prepares you to be practice ready at completion, it qualifies.

  • Can I earn credit through my current coursework?

    Yes. Many AHEC Scholar requirements can be met through your existing coursework and extracurricular activities. Contact AHEC staff to confirm eligibility.

  • Are there examples of past projects?

    Yes. You can view examples of past AHEC Scholar projects for reference.

Alumni Association

As an AHEC Scholar, you’ve already made a difference. As an alum, you can keep that momentum going. Stay engaged with a community focused on service, leadership, and advancing health equity where it’s needed most.

Learn more about the AHEC Scholars Alumni Association