Pipeline Programs

One of Erie Niagara AHEC's goals is to expand and diversify the pipeline of students entering the healthcare professions. These programs are intended to generate interest and increase knowledge of healthcare professions and amplify student intent to pursue these essential careers.

High school pipeline programs range from afterschool programs to research opportunities to summer camps, and are open to students in Erie and Niagara Counties. We also offer custom programming based on student or school needs.

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The College and Graduate level pipeline programs consist of hotspotting teams, community-based rotations for health profession students, and internships. 

SEPA

Erie Niagara AHEC works with the Metagenomics Education Partnership and the University at Buffalo to provide health career exposure activities to high school students participating in the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program.

Through this program, high school science teachers are trained and work with their students to sequence the genetic composition of microbial communities found in our local waterways. This project promotes the role of genomics education in workforce development!

AHEC Scholars

AHEC Scholars is a two-year, interdisciplinary hotspotting program in which a diverse group of health profession students work with patients to address social determinants of health. Open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing medicine, nursing, public health, social work, and more!

The Providers and Teens Communicating for Health (PATCH) program strives to bring youth voices into important adolescent health conversations while providing the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to be drivers of change in their community. THEY are the ones who can provide authentic insight into the concerns, ideas, and preferences of their generation. Our Teen Educators facilitate workshops for fellow teens and healthcare providers in pursuit of this goal. 

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Erie Niagara AHEC is the Site Coordinator of PATCH for HOPE Buffalo. For questions or to schedule a workshop, contact bmitchell@erieniagaraahec.org.

In partnership with HOPE Buffalo, the Youth Leadership Team (YLT) is our direct linkage to youth in the community to encourage engagement, education, and build youth support. The team consists of youth educators who establish relationships with other youth influencers to strengthen awareness and connection. They provide valuable feedback to improve the quality and reach of services and resources available to young people in our community. YLT members are change agents who engage, influence, and lead other youth. 

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If you are developing a program for teens in our community and would like feedback from the YLT, contact asdarling@erieniagaraahec.org.

Health Career Summer Camp

Erie Niagara AHEC is partnering with D'Youville University and HOPE Buffalo to provide an interactive and engaging summer program for high school students. Participants learn about health careers, gain college readiness skills, and learn more about public health issues impacting their communities.​

Virtual Job Shadows

Erie Niagara AHEC is now offering virtual job shadow opportunities to high school students interested in pursuing healthcare careers. Students will explore healthcare careers from the comfort of their home through dynamic shadowing and life skills videos and activities. Additionally, students will learn important professional skills and build their resumes!

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VirtualJobShadow.com is an inclusive platform that serves every individual, regardless of their ability or background. It empowers individuals to discover, plan, and pursue the dreams through a video-based career planning site with interactive tools to develop their career paths. Interested students can fill out the interest form below.

The Near-to-Peer Program seeks to better understand the barriers to workforce development and education faced by young adults in underserved Buffalo communities. This will be achieved via Community Needs Assessments (CNAs), which identify the strengths and assets within a community.

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Data from the Community Needs Assessment is currently being evaluated. Stay tuned for more details!

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This program is funded by HOPE Buffalo. Learn more about their work here.