Area Health Education Center (AHEC) programs for rural and underrepresented minority students in the Alabama Black Belt

BACKGROUND: This paper evaluated the implementation West Central Alabama Area Health Education Center programs for high school students in grades 9–12 through participant-reported evaluations and feedback during the September 1st, 2013 to August 31st, 2014 fiscal year. The programs targeted racial/ethnic minorities and/or rural individuals interested in pursuing a career as a healthcare provider in medically underserved counties of Alabama. METHODS: Students participated in enrichment activities related to prospective health careers that included: successful college preparedness, knowledge about health careers, and the types of primary care health professions that are needed in underserved Alabama communities. The curriculum studied 593 (ACT preparation: n = 172, AHEC 101: n = 56, FAFSA: n = 109, Health Career Exploration: n = 159, College Career Readiness: n = 67, Dixie Scholars NERD: n = 30) baseline measures for the programs to evaluate effectiveness when rated by participants both quantitatively and qualitatively. RESULTS: Interactive activities with video incorporation, hands-on experiences, and group discussions paired with student motivation and interest in specific health career-related activities provided the highest program ratings. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to use a variety of successful program strategies when forming healthcare workforce development interventions. Student evaluations can help adapt methods for future program implementation to ultimately achieve strategies for health professional recruitment, training, and retention in areas that lack access to quality healthcare.