AHEC Career Enhancement Scholars Plus (ACES+)

The ACES+/PRIMO program provides comprehensive career planning and intensive year-round support services for students who are preparing for a career in primary healthcare.  Through ACES+/PRIMO, NEMO AHEC staff work one-on-one with undergraduate students, focusing on the individual needs of the student necessary to reach their primary care career goals.

Key features of the ACES+/PRIMO program include:

•  Individual Career Plan (ICP):  Each ACE+ Scholar will collaboratively develop an ICP with AHEC staff that will guide career counseling and support services throughout the academic year.  The ACES+/PRIMO team will meet regularly to assess the student’s progress toward meeting goals and accommodate changes in the student’s plans.

• Health Profession Shadowing:  Increased community support for students interested in primary care careers is a component of the ACES+/PRIMO program.  Regional AHECs (home and school) will work with communities to assure that 40 hours of job shadowing is available to ACE+ Scholars year-round.

•  Academic Enrichment Activities:  NEMO AHEC will sponsor regional activities that will enable students to be part of an ongoing peer group with a similar interest in primary health care careers.  These activities will provide education and life skills aimed at helping students achieve long-term primary care career goals.  Workshops that might be offered include:  MCAT/DAT preparation courses; PRIMO loan updates and financial aid opportunities; hands-on labs, such as suturing, wound care, and more; information about and guidance in graduate level preparation; and other exciting activities.

•  Mentoring:  ACE+ Scholars will be encouraged to build mentoring relationships with local primary care providers, volunteer community clinicians, and/or students with similar interests in primary care.