My AHEC

Eastern Area Health Education Center

The NC AHEC Scholars Program

As part of the NC AHEC Scholars program, the Eastern AHEC Scholars Program recruits, trains, and supports a diverse group of students enrolled in health professions programs across our 23 county service area in North Carolina. Together these students create an interdisciplinary team of health professionals devoted to the transformation of health care in North Carolina. We seek individuals who are committed to improving health and health care, devoted to community service, and interested in improving their own skills and in working with other professionals in team-based care.

The Eastern AHEC Scholars Program aims to improve the distribution of all health professions and support health systems transformation across the state.

Selected applicants participate in a 2-year educational program and may receive an $2,000 travel expense subsidy ($1,000 per year, subject to academic or institutional approval). Each AHEC Scholar will receive a NC AHEC Scholars Certificate, setting them apart from other students in an increasingly competitive environment. Scholars will have the opportunity to network with students and faculty from academic institutions throughout the region and state.

Scholars will participate in both experiential and didactic learning opportunities that will explore topics such as:

  • Interprofessional Education
  • Behavioral Health Integration
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Cultural Competency
  • Practice Transformation
  • Current and Emerging Health Issues
  • Connecting Communities and Supporting Health Professionals
  • Virtual Learning and Telehealth

Prospective Scholars

  • Must be currently enrolled in a college-level health professions education training program in the Eastern AHEC Region by August 31
  • Reliable access to Wi-Fi
  • Must have access to reliable transportation
  • Eligible to work inside the United States

Scholar Responsibilities

  • Must be committed to the AHEC Scholars Program for a total of 2 years
  • Complete 40 hours of didactic training each year of the program
  • Complete 40 hours of experiential training each year of the program
  • Must complete all required assignments
  • Scholars are expected to attend the following dates for didactic instruction:
    Eastern AHEC Regional Didactic Instruction Schedule:
      • September 27, 2025 – kick-off
      • October 18, 2025
      • November 1, 2025
      • January 24, 2026
      • February 20-22, 2026 (Greenville, NC)
      • March 21, 2026
      • April Graduation Date – TBD

Benefits

    • Scholars will receive $2,000 allowance ($1,000 per year) to offset expenses.
    • Scholars will have opportunities to engage and network with thought leaders in health administration, public health, medicine, academia, etc.
    • Scholars will be better positioned to work with diverse patients in rural and/or underserved communities.
    • Network with like-minded students that want to make a difference in healthcare.

How to Apply

Must be currently enrolled in a college-level health professions education training program in Eastern AHEC Region by August 31.

Click here for a list of accepted programs for the NC AHEC Scholars Program.

A completed application will include the following material

    • AHEC Scholars Application
    • 2 Letters of Recommendation
    • AHEC Scholars Application
    • Copy of Transcript 
    • However, an official transcript could be requested prior to acceptance.
    • Resume
    • email to ncahecscholars@ecu.edu

Additional information may be required upon selection such as:

    • Background Check to be completed by Eastern AHEC
    • Immunization Records Upon Selection (If required for clinical learning)

For more information, please contact Director of Student Services Blair Forde at savocab19@ecu.edu or 252-744-5214.

Application Deadline:  August 31, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: Rolling Admission through September 15, 2025
Orientation: September 27, 2025 – exact date TBD