IE AHEC Scholars Program
Frequently Asked Questions 
What is the AHEC Scholars Program?
The AHEC Scholars Program is a two-year national program that is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that is designed to enhance the skills of students studying health professions and to prepare them to service underserved communities. After completion of the program, scholars receive a Certificate of Community Health. The goal is to encourage students to continue working in underserved communities after they’ve graduated due to the lack of medical/health professionals in these areas.
Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is necessary to apply.
How can I apply to the IE AHEC Scholars program?
To apply, please click here.
What are the benefits of becoming an IE AHEC scholars?
The AHEC scholar will be able to build relationships with peer scholars, network, have educational opportunities, gain new skills, enhance current skills, receive a stipend, be awarded a certificate of completion along with a Certificate in Community Health.
What happens if I don’t finish the program requirements?
We understand that as a student, you may also face issues that might prevent you from completing the requirements. However, we will be forced to drop you from the program, if the requirements are not met by the deadline. This will not affect your school records.
Where can I find more information?
Visit NAO AHEC Scholars page click here
Is there a deadline to apply to the IE AHEC Scholars program?
There is ongoing enrollment throughout the year. May 1st is the application deadline. Applications will begin again in August.
Can IE AHEC Scholars complete the required 80-hour classroom and 80-hour clinical experience hours in less than two years?
Yes, the program is self-paced. Your college/university program internship and clinical hours may be applicable towards the clinical requirement.
Who can I contact if I still have questions?
Please reach out to our center director, Athena Montiel via email amontiel@chaisr.org.
How much does it cost?
The program is completely FREE. No expenses will be charged to the scholars. In exchange for participating and meeting the yearly requirements, scholars will receive a stipend. The amount is dependent on how many scholars complete the yearly requirements. The minimum amount is usually $250.
What will I learn during my time in the program?
To view program information, please click here.
Is there an interview process?
Yes, the center director will set up a time with the interested student to learn about the student’s academic interests and discuss the basics of the scholars program.
How long is the program?
There are two pathways depending on the health profession that the student is studying. The one-year pathway is available for medical assistants and community health workers while the two-year pathway is available for the rest of the approved health professions. Click here to view. The two years spent in the program must be consecutive.
Will I work with other students?
We have cohorts of a variety of students from different schools and health professions that you can collaborate on projects with and network.
Are graduate students eligible to apply to the IE AHEC Scholars program?
Yes, please see our approved list of health professions. Click here.
Are there meetings that we have to attend?
Yes, we have required quarterly meetings with our scholars. Due to our large cohort, we host more than one meeting, dates and times are scheduled based on votes. We understand that school schedules and other issues can conflict. We are willing to accommodate you if the chosen date and time does not work for you.
If my school is not a partner, can I still apply?
Yes, you may still apply. This will not affect your application. Our partners mentioned on our website are colleges/universities and medical schools that have more than one student enrolled.