About the Health Careers Opportunity Academy
The Health Careers Opportunity Program is committed to nurturing the next generation of health care professionals. Our mission is to provide support and opportunities for individuals passionate about making a difference in the health sector, regardless of their background. This program is your stepping stone to a fulfilling career, offering guidance, resources, and mentorship to help you navigate the path to becoming a healthcare professional.
Program Details
You can spend part of your summer (and get paid!) to prepare for college and an exciting career in health care.
The Health Careers Opportunity Program Summer Ambassador Academy will accept only 35 students interested in attending college to pursue a career in health care.
The 2025 Summer Residential Academy will be hosted on campus by SAU Magnolia.
Students will have the opportunity to live on campus – housing, food and transportation will be provided – and earn $75 per day for participating in the six-week program.
The program will provide the selected students:
- an overview of healthcare careers currently in demand.
- Life and study skills to be successful in college.
- Leadership skills to improve their interactions during and after college.
- A college experience! Residence life, campus activities and more…
Dates and Location
The Arkansas Delta Health Careers Opportunity Program Summer Academy will be a six-week residential academy held June 9-July 18, 2025, on the campus of the SAU Magnolia. More details to follow.
Eligibility
- A high school junior or senior student currently attending public school OR a college/graduate student with a residential address in Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Cleveland, Columbia, Crittenden, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lee, Lincoln, Monroe, Ouachita, Phillips, Sevier, St Francis, or Union counties.
- A US citizen, non-citizen national of the US, an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the US, or any other “qualified alien” under section 431(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-193 (individuals on temporary or student visas are NOT eligible).
- Demonstrate a serious interest in pursuing a health profession (other than nursing), sonography, dietetics, health administration, medical lab technology, mental/behavioral health, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, public health, radiography, and respiratory therapy.
- A minimum 2.5 GPA to participate.
- Letters of recommendation
- From an “economically or educationally disadvantaged” background, as defined below:
- Individuals will be considered “Educationally Disadvantaged” if they meet one or more of the following criteria: 1) First-generation in their family to attend college; 2) Graduated from (or attended) a high school, based on recent data, which either had a) Low percentage of seniors receiving a high school diploma or b) Low percentage of high school graduates who attend college the year after graduation; 3) Graduated from (or attended) a high school with low per capita funding; 4) Graduated from (or attended) a high school where, based on most recent data available, many enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.
- Individuals will be considered “Economically Disadvantaged” if they 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, DHHS, for use in all health professions programs. The Secretary defines ‘‘low-income family/household’’ as having an annual income that does not exceed 200 percent of the Department’s poverty guidelines. (Federal Register, 2023)
Benefits
- Scholarships for health professional students
- Health career exposure
- Assistance with financial aid and college enrollment procedures
- Academic support services, educational enrichment, and skill development
- Monthly meetings/workshops focused on financial aid planning, health disparities, stress management, public health, etc.
Informational Sessions
The Arkansas Delta Health Careers Opportunity Program Academy will hold a series of informational sessions for those who are interested in learning more about the program. Please register in advance for one of the following sessions.