High Sierra AHEC’s Outreach Initiatives: Shaping the Future of Healthcare

The growing demand for healthcare professionals highlights the importance of creating opportunities that inspire young students to pursue careers in this critical field. At High Sierra AHEC, we are committed to providing equitable pathways to success, helping students of all ages gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in healthcare. Through our targeted outreach programs, students emerge as highly trained, employable assets for our partners and the broader healthcare workforce.

Program Overview and Impact

High Sierra AHEC's pathway programs are designed to immerse students in healthcare and STEM fields, starting as early as the 5th grade. Our initiatives provide students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and opportunities for growth, guiding them toward meaningful careers. In FY 23-24 alone, we had 998 participants, with 97% expressing interest in higher education and 67% pursuing healthcare careers after completing our programs.

K-12 Programs and Offerings

Our outreach initiatives focus on several key programs, each designed to engage students at various stages of their educational journey:

• Crime Scene Investigation and Healthcare Hero Camps:

  • Introduces 5th-grade students to healthcare and STEM through hands-on activities. Local professionals lead interactive learning experiences, sparking early interest in healthcare careers.

• Project Prevent and Project R.O.A.R.R.:

  • Provides underserved and rural students with a comprehensive curriculum covering healthcare careers, health literacy, and advocacy. Builds students' research and advocacy skills, empowering them to understand and advocate for community health.

• Community Health Worker I Youth Certification Program:

  • Open to students 16 years and older from rural and underserved areas. Offers a grant-funded curriculum, continuing education, workshops, and mentorship, guiding participants toward higher-skilled healthcare careers.

• Mini-Presentations and Community Events:

  • Offers 40-50 minute tailored presentations on Project Prevent and Project R.O.A.R.R., delivered in person or remotely. High Sierra AHEC also participates in health fairs, career fairs, and other resource-sharing events, both in and out of school.

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Additional Programs for Higher Education

Beyond our programs for younger students, we also offer targeted initiatives for undergraduate and graduate students passionate about healthcare:

• Student Ambassador Program:

  • Designed for undergraduates passionate about healthcare. This award-winning initiative provides networking opportunities, community engagement, graduate school preparation, and skill-building workshops to equip students for successful healthcare careers.

• Nevada AHEC Scholars Program:

  • A nationally funded program by HRSA for graduate-level students that strengthens the healthcare workforce by preparing students as leaders in health and equipping them with practical skills for underserved settings. Participants gain recognition, IPE credit, and hands-on experience in real-world healthcare environments.

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Commitment to Excellence and Growth

At High Sierra AHEC, our commitment to shaping Nevada’s healthcare future goes beyond education. We are dedicated to building a diverse and skilled workforce that addresses the healthcare needs of our state. By fostering early exposure and providing comprehensive pathways to success, we ensure that our students not only enter the workforce but also excel in their roles as healthcare professionals.

Get Involved!

If you share our passion for healthcare and want to contribute to the future of Nevada’s healthcare workforce, we invite you to get involved! Whether you're a student, educator, or healthcare professional, your support and involvement can help us expand our impact. Stay connected with us to learn more about upcoming events and ways you can support High Sierra AHEC’s outreach efforts.

Together, we can create a sustainable future for Nevada’s healthcare and empower the next generation of healthcare leaders!