NC AHEC Scholars Program
at NWAHEC
Jump Start Your Health Career
The NC AHEC Scholars Program at Northwest AHEC recruits, trains, and supports a diverse group of students from across the state, creating a multidisciplinary team of health professionals committed to both community service and the transformation of health care in North Carolina. We seek individuals who are committed to improving health and health care, devoted to community service, and interested in improving their own skills and in working with other professionals in team-based care.
With an emphasis on individuals from underrepresented minority populations and/or from disadvantaged/rural backgrounds, as well as first-generation college students, the NC AHEC Scholars Program at Northwest AHEC aims to improve the diversity and distribution of all health professions and to support health systems transformation across the state. Each class of NC AHEC Scholars represents a variety of health professions and institutions from every region of North Carolina.

As an NC AHEC Scholar, you’ll:
- Supplement and enrich your education
- Receive a $1000/year stipend
- Participate in 40 hours of didactic and 40 hours of clinical work each year
- Have the opportunity to network with fellow students and health care professionals
- Gain access to unique experiences to help you thrive in health care
- Receive an NC AHEC Scholars Certificate, which sets you apart from other students in an increasingly competitive environment
The Northwest AHEC Scholars Program
Northwest AHEC partners with three institutions for the Scholars Program, Salem College (SC), Wake Forest University (WFU) and Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). We coordinate to recruit seven students per year from each campus that are focused on a career in health.
Prospective Scholars
Program Eligibility
NC AHEC Scholars at Northwest AHEC:
- Must be enrolled in a college-level health professions education training program at SC, WFU, or WSSU by August 31, 2022
- Must have reliable access to Wi-Fi
- Must have reliable transportation
- Eligible to work inside the United States
Program runs September 1, 20221 through August 31, 2023

Scholar Responsibilities
Each NC AHEC Scholar:
- Must be committed to the program for a total of two years
- Complete 40 hours of didactic training each year of the program
- Complete 40 hours of experiential training each year of the program
How To Apply
Must be currently enrolled in a college-level health professions education training program at SC, WFU, or WSSU by August 31, 2022
Click Here for a List of Accepted Programs for the NC AHEC Scholars Program
1. Download 2022 AHEC Scholars Application
2. Save it to your computer to complete
- AHEC Scholars Application
- 2 Letters of Recommendation - Attach to application
- Copy of Official Transcript (Due to the COVID-19 situation, we will accept an unofficial transcript at this time. However, an official transcript could be requested prior to acceptance)
- Resume
- Additional information may be required upon selection such as: Background Check and Immunization Records Upon Selection (Mandatory for clinical learning)
4. Email Completed Application to mgmills@wakehealth.edu
5. Application Deadline: May 15, 2022

Important Dates:
Application Deadline: May 15, 2022
Notification of Acceptance: July 1, 2022
Orientation: September 17, 2022
2021-22 Northwest AHEC Scholars
Krya Akande, WSSU, Nursing |
Brianna Green, WSSU, Nursing |
Northwest AHEC Scholars Regional Advisory Board
![]()
|
Leslee Battle, EdD Professor and Interim Dean School of Health Sciences Winston-Salem State University 336-750-2263 shepardl@wssu.edu |
||
![]()
|
Cynthia Sheppard Bell, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Associate Professor and Chair Occupational Therapy Winston-Salem State University 336-750-3175 bellcs@wssu.edu |
|
Sarah Langdon, MPH, MCHES Project Manager II Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity Wake Forest School of Medicine 336-713-7613 slangdon@wakehealth.edu |
![]()
|
Monica T. Brown, MPH Health Center Manager Downtown Health Plaza Wake Forest Baptist Health 336-713-9621 mtbrown@wakehealth.edu |
![]() |
Brenda Latham-Sadler, MD Associate Professor Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest Baptist Health 336-713-9332 blsadler@wakehealth.edu |
|
Scott Rhodes, PhD Department Chair, CTSI Wake Forest School of Medicine 336-713-5080 srhodes@wakehealth.edu |
||
![]() |
Joseph Skelton, MD Associate Professor, Pediatrics Director, Brenner FIT Wake Forest Baptist Health 336-716-9354 jskelton@wakehealth.edu |
||
![]()
|
Richard W. Flowers, DNP, CRNA, CHSE Assistant Professor, Academic Nursing Wake Forest Baptist Health rflowers@wakehealth.edu |
|
Teresa Tyson Interim Program Chair, Nursing Chair, Physicians Assistant Studies Winston-Salem State University 336-750-2273 tysonta@wssu.edu |
![]()
|
Judy Foxworth, PT, PhD Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Interim Chair, Professor Department of Physical Therapy Director, Human Performance and Biodynamics Laboratory Winston Salem State University 336-750-2197 foxworthj@wssu.edu |
|
Kyana R. L. Young, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Engineering Wake Forest University youngk@wfu.edu |
![]()
|
Nathaniel “Nate” French, PhD Director, Magnolia Scholars Wake Forest University 336-758-3107 frenchtn@wfu.edu |
|
Northwest AHEC Staff
![]() |
Melanee Mills, MSEd Program Coordinator, Health Careers and Workforce Diversity at Northwest AHEC 336-713-7714 mgmills@wakehealth.edu |
![]() |
Gail Pawlik, BA Program Assistant at Northwest AHEC 336-713-7761 gpawlik@wakehealth.edu |
![]() |
Michael Lischke, EdD, MPH |
NC AHEC Scholars Program
If you do not meet the requirements for the Northwest AHEC program please check out the NC AHEC Scholars page to view programs in regions across the state.
Institutional Partners
Contact
Melanee Mills, MSEd
Program Coordinator, Health Careers and Workforce Diversity
Northwest AHEC
mgmills@wakehealth.edu