USF AHEC Health Professions
Summer Academy
A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Presented By:
LaToya S. Clark, MPH
Coordinator, Diversity Initiatives
Health Professions Summer Academy Director
USF AHEC Program Office
The Current State of Healthcare

Minority and low-income students are
underrepresented in health professions

African Americans, Hispanics, and Native
Americans make up 25% of the U.S. population,
yet they make up only 6% of physicians, 8% of
registered nurses, and 5% of dentist
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These disparities by ethnicity and income have
been called one of healthcare’s biggest failures
A Better Future for the Healthcare
Workforce
Recommendations:

Train more underrepresented students in science
and promote their interest in health careers early
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Increase the enrollment of underrepresented
students in the health professions
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Develop health careers recruitment programs
during the pre-college years
Health Career Recruitment at
USF AHEC Program Office

USF AHEC Health Professions Summer Academy
(Academy) began in 2001; 28 students

Designed to expose academically talented high
school students who are underrepresented in the
health professions to career possibilities in the
healthcare during a two-week, on campus
experience

Targets underrepresented and disadvantaged high
school students from USF AHECs 9-county service
area
Academy Goals
1.
Expose and enhance student’s
understanding of health careers so they can
make an informed decision before choosing
to pursue a post-secondary health career
track.
2.
Provide students with test taking strategies
that will enhance their performance on the
SAT exam.
3.
Provide positive role models and mentors to
assist students in pursuit of a health career.
Academy Goals
4.
Increase student’s understanding of the college
admission process and how to pursue financial
aid for college.
5.
Increase student’s knowledge and exposure to
stimulating and in-depth learning
environments, college life, professionalism and
diversity.
6.
Provide a foundation for students to become
competitive applicants for post-secondary and
graduate education.
Eligibility Requirements
Rising high school juniors or seniors
 Reside in USF AHEC 9-county service area
 Must have a 3.0 un-weighted GPA
 Applicants must meet the following criteria:

◦ Underrepresented in the health professions
◦ Disadvantaged
 First generation college student
 Low-income (free or reduced lunch)
The Application Process

Applicants must submit:
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Completed and signed application
Official transcript
Personal essay (250 words)
Current photograph (headshot)
Two recommendation forms (Science, Math, or
Health instructors)
Applications are mailed to high school counselors
and health teachers; posted on AHEC website;
provided during AHEC health career presentations
 Due the first week in February
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The Selection Process
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Student applications are screened by USF AHEC,
GNAHEC, and GSAHEC
30 – 35 applicants are selected for an interview
Interviews are scheduled during students lunch
Accepted students receive an official acceptance
letter in the mail
26 students are accepted each year (4 alternates)
Key Components of the Academy

Recruitment of underrepresented students into
the health professions

Imparts knowledge about scientific and health
careers

Mentorship – direct interactions with college
and medical students, as well as health
professionals

College admissions and financial aid preparation
Key Components of the Academy

Career counseling and long-term college and
career support

Scientific research and learning through
technology-based resources

Exposure to college life
Academy Curriculum

Test Preparation and Strategies
◦ SAT Review Course (33 - 35 hours, verbal & math)
◦ Effective Writing Course
◦ Study Skills Course

Career Explorations and Research
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Career Counseling
College/Hospital Tours
Health Careers Lab
Medical/Scientific Research
Project
Academy Curriculum

Applications and Finances
◦ College Admissions workshop
◦ Financial Aid and Budgeting workshop
◦ AHEC Financing Your Health Career presentation

Healthcare Workforce Training
◦ Florida AHEC Network Health Careers
presentation
◦ National Health Service Corps session
◦ AHEC A.T.T.A.C. Program (Tobacco Education)
Academy Curriculum

Professional Development
◦ Professionalism 101 Course:
 Resumes
 Interviewing skills
 Appearance
 Etiquette
◦ PowerPoint 101 Workshop

Extracurricular Activities
◦ A Day at MOSI
◦ Group debriefings
◦ Busch Gardens/Adventure Island
Academy Staff

Director – USF AHEC Coordinator, Diversity
Initiatives

3 Resident Assistants (2 females, 1 male)
◦ Shift: 6 p.m. – 7 a.m.

4 Student Counselors (2 females, 2 males)
◦ Morning Shift: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
◦ Evening Shift: 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Resources for Implementation
Ideal for a college or university campus
 Dormitory and cafeteria
 Library and computer lab
 Campus transportation
 Classroom space
 Outdoor activities
 Health career majors, schools, colleges
 Community academic partnerships (school
districts, hospitals, clinics, museums, etc)
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Budget
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About $42,000 per year; cost include:
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Room & board
Transportation
Facilitator, counselor, and RA stipends
Student stipends ($100 each)
SAT courses
Accidental insurance
Materials (backpacks, polo shirts, SAT book, binders)
Campus memberships and ID cards
Field trip tickets (Busch Gardens/Adventure Island/MOSI)
Parent receptions (2)
June 2009
At-A-Glance Schedule
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sunday, June 14 – Saturday, June 27, 2009
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Parent Orientation
2:30 - 4:30 pm
USF ID
8:30 – 9:15 am
SAT Verbal
8:30 – 11:30 am
SAT Math
8:30 – 11:30 am
AHEC
9:30 – 11:30am
USF Walking Tour
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Lunch
11:45 – 12:30 pm
Lunch
11:45 - 12:30 pm
Lunch
11:45 – 12:30 pm
COM & CON
9:00 – 10:30 am
Group 1 @ COM
Group 2 @ CON
SAT Verbal
9:00 – 12:00 pm
Dorm Check –in
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Shriners & Moffitt
9:00 – 10:30 am
Group 1 @ SCH
Group 2 @ MCC
Pre Test & Group
Activity
6:30 – 7:30 pm
College Admissions
12:45 – 1:30 pm
Computer Workshop
12:45 – 2:45 pm
Financial Aid - I
12:45 - 2:15 pm
10:50 – 12:20 pm
Group 1 @ MCC
Group 2 @ SCH
10:50 – 12:20 pm
Group 1 @ CON
Group 2 @ COM
Lunch
12:15 - 1:00 pm
Lunch
12:30 - 1:15 pm
Lunch
12:40 - 1:40 pm
Busch gardens
2:00 – 7:30 pm
SAT Verbal
2:00 – 5:00 pm
SAT Math
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Safety Orientation
7:45 – 8:15 pm
Student Hlth Services PowerPoint 101
3:00 – 4:00 pm
1:45 – 2:45 pm
SAT Math
Cultural Bingo Game 3:00 – 5:30 pm
9:00 – 9:30 pm
Dentistry
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Professionalism 101 Part I & II
2:30 – 4:00 pm
Pharmacy 101
4:15 – 5:15 pm
Post Test I
12:00 pm
Evaluations 5:00 pm
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24
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26
27
Rest Time
9:30 – 11:00 am
SAT Math
8:30 – 11:30 am
SAT Verbal
8:30 – 11:30 am
SAT Math
8:30 – 11:30 am
SAT Math Review
8:30 – 11:30 am
Dorm Check-out
9:30 - 10:30 am
Lunch
11:00 - 11:45 am
Lunch
11:45 - 12:30 pm
Lunch
11:45 - 12:30 pm
Lunch
11:45 - 12:30 pm
TGH Tour
9:00 – 10:30 am
Group 1 @ TGH
Group 2 @ USF
MOSI
12:00 – 5:00 pm
Effective Writing
1:00 – 3:00 pm
AHEC ATTAC
1:00 – 1:45 pm
Financial Aid – II
1:00 – 3:00 pm
10:50 – 12:20 am
Group 1 @ USF
Group 2 @ TGH
Lunch
11:45 - 12:30 pm
Appreciation &
Awards Ceremony
11:00 – 1:00 pm
Exploring Career
Options
3:30 – 5:15 pm
Health Careers Lab
2:00 – 3:00 pm
COPH
3:00 – 3:45 pm
Lunch
12:30 - 1:15 pm
Professionalism 101 –
Epi Demo (MCC)
Part III
3:15 – 4:15 pm
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Evaluations 4:30 pm
SAT Verbal Review
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Group Presentations
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Morsani & SPT Tour
12:45 – 2:45 pm
Post Test II & Evals.
3:00 pm
THE RECIPE FOR
SUCCESS
Program Content
Relevant
 Adult support and structure
 High standards and expectations
 Creative forms of learning
 A combination of guidance, connections, and
resources
 Long-term services/support and follow-up
 Youth as resources/community service
 Implementation quality
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Good Mentors
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Academy mentor’s role is to motive youth to achieve their
potential and provide guidance and advise to raise students
awareness of the academic and social benefits of higher
education.
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Mentor characteristics:
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Share similarities, but has more experience
Mutual respect and trust
Availability
Encouragement
A model of a continuous learner
Committed to the role of mentoring
Positive Outcomes

Program Evaluation
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Pre/Post Test
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Students attending college/health professions
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Increased number of applications
SUCCESS STORIES
Promising Practices: Tracking Students

The benefits of social networking sites to track
students
◦ Facebook Profiles: (for individuals)
 Students as young as 13 can join
 Students must register with a active e-mail account
 You have access to their wall updates, educational
status, interest, and sometimes their mailing address
 Increasing popularity among youth
Promising Practices: Tracking Students

The benefits of social networking sites to
track students
◦ Facebook Pages: (for organizations, brands)
 You can post messages relevant to student’s interest,
upload videos, provide links, and connect to other
interest
 You drive traffic to your Website and resources
 You can provide long-term college and career support
Academy Students College Acceptance
Data: 2001 - 2009
Academy Students Entering College
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Academy Alumni Survey: (2009 college acceptance data)
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American University of Antigua
Barry University
Eckerd College
Florida A&M University
Florida Atlantic University
Florida State University
Harvard College
Pomona College
University of Central Florida
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Pennsylvania
University of Phoenix
University of Tampa
Various community colleges throughout Florida
(tracking currently in progress)
Student Testimonial

“Thank you for reaching out to the community through the
Summer Academy. It really changed my life. It got me so
excited about my future in nursing. USF was never an
option for college until that summer. I always had my hopes
set on the University of Florida, but now I feel differently.
USF seems more like a family and I love how they reach out
to underserved communities. I am going to apply to USF
for the fall 2009 and I can’t wait! Thank you again for
everything you have done for me.”
2007 Academy Participant
This person is currently an undergraduate student at USF!
Student Testimonial

The AHEC Health Professions Summer Academy was by
far the most rewarding and exciting medical opportunity I
have ever experienced. I am very honored to have been
chosen to participate, and I will always cherish those
wonderful two weeks. I have benefited from all aspects of
the Academy, from the SAT classes and college prep
courses to visiting medical centers and learning more about
medical careers. AHEC also helped me realize the crucial
need for health professionals in underserved communities.
Also the ethnic diversity of my fellow students helped me to
realize the necessity for such diversity in the medical
professions. In college and beyond, I will uphold the value
of appreciating a wide range of cultures and socioeconomic
backgrounds.”
2006 Academy Participant
Current student at Harvard College!
Academy Students in Action
Tampa General Hospital
Finances Workshop
USF Health South
USF College of Nursing
Lab
Outdoor Sports
The Women’s Center at
TGH
Shriners Hospital
Benefits of the Academy to the
Healthcare Workforce
Encourages students to attend college and
pursue a health career (primary care)
 Encourages students to work in medically
underserved communities in Florida
 Provides mentors and a social support
network for students
 Creates model citizens
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For Further Information
Contact:
LaToya S. Clark, MPH
Coordinator, Diversity Initiatives
USF AHEC Program Office
lclark2@health.usf.edu
www.health.usf.edu/ahec
813-974-5973