Summer Health Career Academy
Southwest Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (AHEC) holds an annual Summer Health Career Academy during the third week of July. The academy is designed for current ninth and tenth grade students who are interested in learning about opportunities in health careers and the academic preparation necessary for these careers. Students meet with and talk to practicing health care professionals, engage in health career activities, learn to monitor vital signs, engage in hands on medical procedures, learn basic medical terminology, and receive training in leadership skills.
Applications are accepted from ninth and tenth grade students who reside in the seven southwestern Pennsylvania counties (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland). Applications available February 2026.
Have you already participated in the Career Academy and want to return as a Mentor? Email Sarah McKendry (smckendry@southwestahec.org) to connect!
Other Programs
princeton review sat/act prep course
Pennsylvania AHEC is offering a discount on the Princeton Review year-long SAT or ACT Self-Paced Prep Course to eligible high school students. The course is originally offered for $499, but through a partnership with AHEC, students will be able to access the course for $75.
Scholarships are available to eligible students. Please contact Lynne Williams at lwilliams@southwestahec.org to learn more.
Cardio & Pulm: Heartbeats and Beyond
The Penn State College of Medicine is offering the PULSE (Pre-health Program for Underrepresented Leaders in STEM Education) program for students currently in 8th through 11th grade. This virtual program provides an interactive learning experience focused on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. Students will explore key anatomy, understand common disorders, and discover how these vital systems function through engaging lessons led by current medical students.
Applications are accepted from March 10th through April 30th. For questions please contact: hmcpulse@gmail.com