Health Professional Student Scholars Program

The Health Professional Student Scholars (Pro Scholars) Program is a two-year federally funded program that provides students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, support geared to prepare them for graduation and careers in the health professions.

Each cohort will have a combined total of 10 interprofessional students currently enrolled in a health professions program at UNM Health Sciences including but not limited to the College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Community Health Workers Certificate Program, Masters of Public Health, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant Program and the School of Medicine.

The Pro Scholars Experience

Academic enrichment in cultural humility, structural competency, identity formation/promotion/expression.
Community engagement and service learning opportunities.
Educational activities designed to support academic and social strengths, and needs specific to each Ambassador cohort.
Training in the clinical areas of opioid abuse, mental and behavioral health, or childhood obesity.
Student support activities such as interprofessional networking, individualized development of life-long learning, and coping/wellness strategies.

Expectations

Commitment

Two-year program
1-2 monthly meetings depending on activities scheduled for the month (Meetings can range from 1-3 hours depending on activity.)

Timeline

Year one: October - May
Year two: September - May

Stipends

Each participant will be awarded a stipend each year upon successful completion of program requirements.

Eligibility

NM residents or Navajo Nation/U.S. citizen or non-citizen nationals or foreigners who possess a visa permitting permanent residence in the U.S.. (for Payment purposes only)
Currently enrolled in a health professions program at UNM Health Sciences, including but not limited to: School of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, or Community Health Workers.
First year in their respective program.
Identifies as economically and educationally disadvantaged status as defined below.

Economically Disadvantaged

Individuals considered "economically disadvantaged" come from a family with an annual income below a level based on low-income thresholds, according to family size established by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Low-income family/ household defined as having an annual income that does not exceed 200% of the poverty guidelines.

Educationally Disadvantaged

Individuals are considered to be from an "educationally disadvantaged" background if they come from a social, cultural, or educational environment that has demonstrably and directly inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in health professions education or training programs.

First-generation to attend college.
Graduated from a high school where the most recent data indicates the following:
- Low GPA average
- Low percentage of seniors receiving high school diploma
- Low percentage of graduates who go to college during the first year after graduation
- Low per capita funding
- High percentage of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch

Ready to Apply?

Applications for 2024-2026 Cohort Now Open

The program begins October 2024

What is required in the application packet?

Student Application
Student Application Profile with short essay responses
One unofficial copy of your transcript

Health Professional Student Scholars Program

Ready to apply?

Apply Now

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

UNM Health Sciences and Services Building, First Floor
MSC09 5235
2500 Marble Ave. NE
1 University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM 87131
505-272-2728
HSC-Diversity@salud.unm.edu