CT Assist Health Experiential Learning Program

Summer 2023

Information and Application Guidelines

General information

We are pleased to announce the Summer 2023 EMU CT Assist Health Experiential-Learning Program, sponsored by two generous EMU alums. We will make several awards this year, with a cap on individual awards of $2500 each. Students are encouraged to prepare applications even if the total amount requested is less than $2500. These awards are intended to support clinical experiences or internships that prepare students for professional health programs.

How can these awards be used?

Students are encouraged to consider any number of possible programs or opportunities, including local clinical opportunities. Of particular note is that some professional health programs require a significant number of hours of hands-on patient care experience prior to application. For example, some Physician Assistant programs may require a minimum of 200 hours of documented paid or volunteer patient care experience (with some programs asking for at least 2000 hours). Paid positions can be difficult to find, and volunteering for such an extended time is costly. Thus, this award may help students afford to volunteer in a clinical setting for an extended period of time. Awards may be used for student summer wages, travel experiences (such as mileage reimbursements, flight, etc.) and associated fees, program costs, and housing.
Who is eligible to apply?

All Pre-Professional Health Science (PPHS) students are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to rising juniors and seniors, to those with demonstrated need for healthcare experience hours (e.g. Pre-PA, Pre-DPT students) and to students with demonstrated financial need (current FAFSA filed with financial aid). Students from racial and ethnic groups that are under-represented in health science fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

Application and Selection Process

Application materials must include:

A 200 word description of how you intend to use the funds.
A 100 word personal statement indicating how the award will benefit you.

Completed electronic application materials are due to the Suter Science Center Office Coordinator (diane.farrar@emu.edu) by the end of the day March 24, 2023.

During the following week, completed applications will be considered by a group of three EMU Biology and Chemistry faculty members. The most compelling applications win. The announcement will be made to all applicants by the end of the day March 31st.

Once the experience is completed, you will arrange a formal report (oral with powerpoint) to the PPHS student club and program.

From the Biology and Chemistry faculty –

Any questions should be referred to Matthew Siderhurst, Professor of Chemistry.