Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP)

The goal of the UAMS Arkansas Delta Health Careers Opportunity Program Academy is to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the access, education and training essential for pursuing careers as health professionals. This federally funded initiative equips students with essential skills to help them compete for admission to health or allied health professions schools, enroll in these schools, and eventually graduate from them.

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. HCOP is your stepping stone to a fulfilling career, offering guidance, resources, and mentorship to help you navigate the path to becoming a healthcare professional.

You can spend part of your summer (and get paid!) to get prepared for college and an exciting career in healthcare.

The HCOP Summer Ambassador Academy will accept only 35 students who are interested in attending college to pursue a career in healthcare.

To qualify, you must be:

  • Rising senior in a high school located in the designated HCOP target service area (Delta Region)
    • Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Cleveland, Columbia, Crittenden, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lee, Lincoln, Monroe, Ouachita, Phillips, Sevier, St. Francis, Union
  • Enrolled in school in the HCOP target service area
  • Must be a citizen, non-citizen national of the United States, an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States

No minimum GPA required!

The 2024 Summer Residential Academy will be hosted on campus by UAPB.

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 6-week program.

The program will provide 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 & Location

The Arkansas Delta Health Careers Opportunity Program Summer Academy will be a six-week residential academy held June 17-July 26, 2024, on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. More details to follow.

Eligibility

  • Rising senior in a high school located in the designated Health Careers Opportunity Program target service area (Delta Region)
  • Enrolled in school in the Health Careers Opportunity Program target service area
  • Must be a citizen, non-citizen national of the United States, or an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States  

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.

Application Requirements

  • Complete the online Health Careers Opportunity Program application
  • One recommendation letter from a guidance counselor or STEM counselor
  • Health career interest (as specified in the Health Careers Opportunity Program proposal)
  • Personal statement elaborating on career interest

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.

Apply Now!