Apply to get involved with CHS

The College of Health Sciences is looking for student leaders who will help foster the continued success of our college and support our current and first-year students. The CHS Student Ambassadors and CHS PATHfinder Peer Mentors are now accepting applications for new leaders during the 2024-2025 school year. Both groups, while having separate responsibilities, work to create a sense of belonging for pre-professional healthcare students. Please see the below information to decide which group would be the best fit for you!

Main purpose

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) Diversity Healthcare Program Ambassadors are current undergraduate students of CHS who serve as leaders in developing and implementing the Diversity Healthcare Program (DHP). Further, they assist with recruiting Bryan Station High School students and meet with representatives across healthcare disciplines to expand the program and increase awareness of the DHP across the state.

Classroom activities

HHS 395 is a two credit hour course with 1 hour of weekly instruction that provides space for ambassadors to get to know and interact with each other, learn leadership skils, help plan and implement activities throughout the year.

Engagement activities and responsibilities

CHS DHP Ambassadors are required to complete several DHP events throughout the semester, organize and participate in planning meetings with healthcare and community partners, and develop programming (i.e., UK Healthcare Scholars Induction Ceremony, UK healthcare campus visit days, and healthcare networking events) to better support the program and its expansion of services.

Community Events and College Events

CHS DHP Ambassadors create and implement programming to engage with UK Healthcare Scholars and healthcare partners to promote healthcare exploration, college readiness, and mentorship.

Time commitment each week

  • Class time: 1 hour
  • Outside: ~2 hours

DHP Mission Statement

The mission of the Diversity Healthcare Program is to diversify healthcare professions by partnering with minority and underrepresented high school students. We strive to empower these students to attain their goal of entering healthcare fields by providing support and mentorship through college and career enrichment initiatives. We aim to aid in their transition from high school, to college, and ultimately into healthcare professions.

Main purpose

The CHS Student Ambassadors serve and assist the College of Health Sciences with prospective students, current students, and alumni.

Student Ambassadors educate and engage the community as well as the University in planned social, philanthropic and education activities as it relates to the College’s mission and vision.

Classroom activities

Enrollment in a one credit hour course with 1 hour of weekly instruction that provides space for ambassadors to get to know and interact with each other, learn leadership skills, help plan and implement activities throughout the year.

Engagement activities and responsibilities

Student Ambassadors are required to complete several recruitment events throughout the semester, organize and participate in National Health Professions Week, and participate in fundraising activities to support the philanthropic efforts of the college.

Community Events and College Events

Student Ambassadors create opportunities for current CHS students to engage with college faculty, staff, and alumni, and also assist with the success of college events such as the UK Family Weekend, CHS Hall of Fame alumni recognition, and CHS Student Awards.

Time commitment each week

  • Class time: 1 hour
  • Outside: ~2 hours

Main purpose

The PATHfinder Program consists of a compassionate community of mentors that are focused on fostering growth, inclusivity, and belongingness for first year students in the College of Health Sciences. PATHfinders mentors are professional, trustworthy friends and positive role models focused on fostering independence for students throughout their first year and beyond. Each mentor will work with a specific group of mentees all year.

Classroom activities

Enrollment in a one credit hour course with 1 hour of weekly instruction that provides a space for mentors to get to know each other, learn about best mentoring practices, reflect on their connections with their mentees, and help plan and implement the Summer Bridge Project.

Engagement activities and responsibilities

Mentors are required to be in regular contact with their assigned mentees. In the Fall, Peer Mentors will be paired to a CHS introductory course to attend each week to better connect with their mentees and encourage success of first-year students in CHS. In the Spring, Peer Mentors will attend Merit Day activities in conjunction with CHS Advisors, and participation in summer orientations are encouraged, but optional.

Community Events, College Events, and Summer Bridge projects

The Summer Bridge Program is for accepted CHS first-year students to begin academic work, meet and connect with peers and Peer Mentors, and explore different healthcare opportunities during a week in the summer.  Mentors assist with the planning and implementation of the Summer Bridge Program. Mentors will attend the Summer Bridge 4-day program during July 2024.

Time commitment each week

  • Class time: 1 hour
  • Outside: ~2 hours

Summer Bridge Mission Statement

The College of Health Sciences Summer Bridge Program is focused on empowering rising first-year students to excel academically, socially, and professionally as they transition into college and form connections. Our goal is to create a unique environment where students feel a sense of belonging, have meaningful engagement with peers, and foster relationships with faculty that continue well past the bridge week through their entire educational journey.

Main purpose

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) Diversity Healthcare Program (DHP) Mentors are leaders who assist with supporting Bryan Station High School students in the program. Through mentorship, college readiness prep, and career enrichment initiatives, CHS DHP Mentors assist UK Healthcare Scholars transition from high school to college, and ultimately into healthcare professions. Mentors can be undergraduate and post graduate students of any UK college who are pursuing careers in the healthcare field.

Classroom activities

Currently there is no class connected to this experience, but Mentors are welcome to seek out independent study class credit.

Engagement activities and responsibilities

Mentors help deliver programming developed by CHS DHP Ambassadors to support the development of their mentees and provide personal and professional mentorship on how to succeed in their academic journey to healthcare professions.

Community Events and College Events

DHP Mentors meet monthly with UK Healthcare Scholar mentees at Bryan Station High School to support their growth. They aid in the development and delivery of the mentorship programming.

Time commitment each month

  • Class time: none
  • Outside: ~3 hours

DHP Mission Statement

The mission of the Diversity Healthcare Program is to diversify healthcare professions by partnering with minority and underrepresented high school students. We strive to empower these students to attain their goal of entering healthcare fields by providing support and mentorship through college and career enrichment initiatives. We aim to aid in their transition from high school, to college, and ultimately into healthcare professions.

Applications opens Monday, November 27th and will close Friday, January 5th.

Apply Now