Health Careers Opportunity Programs

With emphasis on underrepresented minority populations and individuals from disadvantaged or rural backgrounds, implement programs that promote interest in health careers and strengthen biomedical science and public health skills to become competitive in the applicant pool for entry into health professions schools.

MRGB AHEC mission drives AHEC staff to continue developing and implementing a strong menu of pipeline programs to support students in their education and spark their interest in health care careers. The programs are offered to students from K-16. The program curriculum is specifically designed to enhance math, science and reading curriculums. MRGB AHEC strongly believes that with youth interest in health care, the community will increase the number of well-trained health care workers in the years to come. Below are a few of the programs offered:

AHEC Mini Academy

The AHEC Mini Academy is intended for incoming 4^th and 5^th grade students who are currently enrolled in a public or private school. The Mini Academy was created to introduce youth to STEM fields of studies to spark their interest in different career paths and enhance their academic performance. The students also have the chance to network, form friendships, and develop their leadership abilities.

AHEC Junior Academy

The AHEC Junior Academy is designed for rising 6th and 7th grade students in public or private schools. The Junior Academy provides tools to improve their academic performance by placing a significant emphasis on educating youth about STEM fields of study. It also gave the students the opportunity to network, create new friendships, and build their leadership skills.

AHEC College Academy

This program is a one-week summer program for Junior and Senior high school students to prepare them for the school-to-college transition. It provides information on test taking skills, interview skills, college admission process and portfolio development. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on educating youth about academic awareness, STEM-related subjects, and the college admission process.

Annual Teens Against Domestic Violence Conference

A one-day conference held during the month of October one day prior to the Annual Domestic Violence Conference. The conference provides information regarding the different types of abuse that may occur in a relationship including verbal and physical. An opportunity to earn hours of community service.

Career/Educational Plans Counseling

Individual career counseling sessions are offered to students requesting additional guidance and support for developing their educational plan

AHEC Student Leadership Club/Youth Health Service Corps

This program provides opportunities for a group of students from various high schools in the city. Health care careers are promoted; however, students do not have to commit to a health career to participate. The structure of the program provides opportunities for students to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations through youth-led projects; it applies the concept of service-learning. In addition to fostering a sense of caring for others, the students contribute to community needs through service projects conducted. The group’s primary focus is to volunteer in AHEC community events, develop leadership skills and identify student-led projects to meet the needs of the community.

The Prep

An Intense Review of Admissions Tests for Health Professions. This program was initiated in 2010 through a partnership between the MRGB AHEC and Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in Laredo, Texas. The goal of this course is to increase the pool of qualified applicants to enter health professional schools, and thus, improve the health professional workforce of the community. The PREP is designed for university students to review for admissions tests for medical school, dental school and to some degree for pharmacy school. The students are selected to participate in a 6-week course that requires 70 contact hours in review of Biology, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Physics and verbal skills. The students are administered a pre and post review MCAT test.

AHEC Scholars Program

The AHEC Scholars Program is a nationwide program that provides a unique opportunity for health and health related discipline students to participate in an interprofessional healthcare program that is federally recognized. The Scholars can engage with members of 35 counties and learn about working with the underserved and rural population in South Texas. Scholars can network and learn interprofessionally with different health professionals while learning about the communities and enhance their professional growth.

The didactic lessons are delivered via Google Classroom and focus primarily on the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA/AHEC) six core topic areas:

Interprofessional Education
Behavioral Health Integration
Social Determinants of Health
Cultural Competency
Practice Transformation
Current and Emerging Health Issues

Student Housing Support and Coordination for UT Health San Antonio

The MRGBAHEC provides administrative support and facilitate the housing needs of UT Health San Antonio professional program students scheduled to participate in practicums/clinical experiences in Laredo, Webb County, Texas. These services are offered throughout the year.