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Health Careers Exposure Program Academy

The Health Careers Exposure Program (HCEP) Academy (formerly known as HCOP prior to 2024) embodies the Morehouse School of Medicine mission of leading the advancement of health equity toward health justice by preparing and equipping our future health leaders and learners for careers in the medical and health professions. The program’s focus is to recruit economically and educationally disadvantaged high school and college students who are interested in a healthcare/medical career and provide instruction, mentoring, tutoring and other educational experiences to:

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    Enhance academic achievement in terms of course grades, timely academic progression, standardized test scores, admission to the next educational level (as applicable).
  • Expand skills in critical thinking and analysis, research, data collection, and analysis, critical reading and writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Enhance interest and achievement toward a healthcare/biomedical science career.

The academy offers four levels of participation:

  • High School Ambassadors Program

    Each year, we recruit 20-25 students from any high school institution at the junior level. We actively seek out economically disadvantaged students who show an interest in pursuing higher education or a career in the health sector. Selection criteria include academic potential, which is assessed by teachers, as well as past grades and exam scores. Additionally, candidates undergo a structured interview conducted by HCEP Academy staff.

    Throughout their participation in the program, ambassadors benefit from a range of opportunities designed to expose them to various aspects of the health sciences field. These include career exploration activities, mentorship and job shadowing experiences, academic support through tutorials, preparation for standardized tests such as the SAT/ACT, lunch and learn sessions, and involvement in community initiatives aimed at promoting health equity.

    Student using VR Headset

    Students also participate in a four-week summer research session (stipend support in the amount of $1,000). The summer sessions may include, but not limited to, the following areas:

    • Anatomy/health science
    • Critical thinking and writing
    • Case study analysis
    • Social and life skills
    • Community engagement with collaborative research
    • Professional development courses
    • Career spotlights from healthcare professionals

    Learning communities will be led by MSM faculty and/or medical/graduate students. Sessions provide students the opportunity to discuss current and relevant issues/topics with peers surrounding college progression, health outcomes, and professional development skills.

    Program Requirements:

    Classification: Rising Junior
    GPA Minimum: 2.85
    Interest: Health Career
    Interview: Required

    Deadline is Monday, April 7, 2025

    Apply Now

  • College Ambassadors Program

    Students with an interest in health careers and entering their third year of study are recruited from the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) and institutions across the nation. Disadvantaged and underserved students are selected for participation based on academic potential (as assessed by instructors), prior grades, examination performance, and a structured interview. A minimum of 15 students are selected to take part annually. Students may continue in the program as long as they continue to engage in its various elements. In addition to supplemental courses, workshops, tutoring and mentoring sessions, there will be opportunities for clinical experiences in underserved communities with MSM faculty.

    Students also participate in a four-week summer research session, during the months of June and July, with a stipend in the amount of $1,500. The summer session will be hybrid with Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on campus and virtual sessions will be hosted on Tuesday and Thursday. The summer sessions may include, but not limited to, the following areas:

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      Biostatistics
    • Foundations of Biological and Chemical Sciences
    • Critical Writing/thinking skills
    • Context and analysis of health/health equity research
    • Mentored project in health equity
    • Data analysis and quantitative reasoning
    • Visual and oral presentation skills
    • Career awareness and experiences
    • Study and exam-taking skills

    Learning communities will be led by MSM faculty and/or medical/graduate students. Sessions provide students the opportunity to discuss current and relevant issues/topics with peers surrounding college progression, health outcomes, and professional development skills.

    Program Requirements:

    Classification: Junior, Senior, or Post-Bac
    GPA Minimum: 3.0
    Application Deadline: February 29, 2024
    Interest: Health Career
    Interview: Required

    Deadline is Monday, April 7, 2025

    Apply Now

  • College Ambassadors Program (Hematology-focused fellowship in partnership with the American Society of Hematology & Emory University Hematology Dept.)

    Students with an interest in a hematology-focused health career and entering their third year of study are recruited from the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) and institutions across the nation. Disadvantaged and underserved students are selected for participation based on academic potential (as assessed by instructors), prior grades, examination performance, and a structured interview. One student will be selected to take part in a research experience for the summer of 2024 in partnership with the American Society of Hematology and Emory University Hematology Dept.

    Students will participate in a four-week summer research session, during the month of June, with a stipend in the amount of $3,000. The summer session will be held daily on the campus of Emory University with the option to join select sessions with the Morehouse School of Medicine College Ambassadors.

    The goal of this fellowship is to provide hematology exposure to undergraduate students who have an interest of pursuing a career in hematology, either as a clinician, basic scientist, or both. During this summer internship selected students will have the opportunity to shadow clinicians at the Emory Hematology department and participate in either laboratory or clinical research. Selected students will also receive mentorship from hematologists, attend seminars and didactics to help improve their knowledge in hematology, as well as have an opportunity to present their research work. 

    Program Requirements:

    Classification: Junior or Senior
    GPA Minimum: 3.0
    Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
    Interest: Hematology
    Interview: Required

    Deadline is Friday, March 15, 2024

    Apply Now
  • Graduate and Medical Ambassador Program

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    The Summer Scholars in the Community (SSiC) HCEP Graduate and Medical Ambassador program provides a unique opportunity for students to work directly with the MSM departments of Community and Preventive Medicine in furthering their understanding and expertise in working with communities. Students participate in weekly didactic and experiential activities addressing community health skills, social determinants of health and health equity. They also participate in weekly scheduled activities to learn about community needs.