03/24/2026
As we continue celebrating National AHEC Week, today we’re shining a light on Northeast Kentucky AHEC’s Health Careers Promotion division—an essential part of our mission to build a strong, sustainable healthcare workforce across our region.
Focused on high school students and those pursuing health careers at the post-secondary level, this division plays a key role in inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities, we’re helping students discover their path and equipping them with the tools to succeed.
Our high school programs introduce students to healthcare careers early on:
- CHASE (Careers in Health Advanced Summer Experience) offers immersive, two-day summer camps where students engage with healthcare professionals and hands-on activities.
- CHARGE High School supports aspiring nursing students with shadowing, skill-building, and college preparation resources.
- Rural Health Scholars prepares motivated students for entry into health career training programs while strengthening college readiness.
- Appalachian ROOTS connects students interested in oral health careers with hands-on learning, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities.
- HOW is an annual event hosted every March in Morehead, Kentucky, where high school students from across our 17-county service region come together to participate in this dynamic, hands-on career exploration experience.
At the undergraduate level, our programs provide deeper, career-focused experiences:
- AHEC Scholars is a nationally recognized, two-year program focused on rural and underserved care, combining classroom learning with real-world training.
- CHARGE College supports nursing students with academic resources, professional development, and financial assistance.
- Kentucky Rural Health Association Student Chapter offers leadership, service, and networking opportunities to prepare students for professional programs.
- STEPS (Successful Training and Educating Pre-medical Students) helps pre-med students prepare for medical school through MCAT prep, mentorship, and hands-on experiences.
- SHIP (Summer Health Internship Program) places students in paid internships with local health organizations, providing meaningful, community-based experience.
Through each of these programs, Northeast Kentucky AHEC is committed to growing our own—supporting students from interest to career and helping ensure a healthier future for the communities we serve.
Explore these programs more and view applications at our website: https://www.neahec.org/health-careers-promotion