Connecting Students to Careers, Professionals to Communities, and Communities to Better Health.

Youth Recruitment

The West Central Missouri AHEC recruitment efforts strive to attract youth to health care professions. Our recruitment programming begins in middle/junior high schools and continues through the undergraduate level.  All programs are geared toward attracting and supporting students in achievement of their health care career goals.

Workshop RSVP Form                  Shadowing Report Form

ACES Pipeline (AHEC Career Enhancement Scholars)

The ACES pipeline program was developed as a comprehensive career planning and assistance program for students identified and interested in pursuing a career in primary healthcare including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrician, nurse practitioner, dentist or dental hygienist.  The program develops relationships between students, parents and communities to create a comprehensive pipeline to funnel students into primary health care careers.

ACES for high school students

Students grade 9-12 interested in primary care careers are selected in the Fall by completing an application and submitting it along with a copy of their most recent school transcript, two letters of recommendation (one from a school counselor, one from any community member or teacher) and a personal statement explaining why they are interested in a career in primary care.  

Students will be selected for interviews and once accepted into the program, must complete participation requirements including:

• Attendance at 12 hours of AHEC programming
• Completion of shadowing hours with a health professional (hours vary according to grade level)
• Completion of Individual Career Plan (ICP)
• Leadership project
• Community service / volunteer hours

ACES+ for undergraduate students

College students are the focus for this level and all aspects of the program work in conjunction with local university undergraduate pre-medicine and pre-health professional clubs.  Students are selected in the fall, but may fill out an application at any time of the year.  Students must complete the following participation requirements continue with the program.  receive education in the four core programming components:

Students at both levels of the pipeline receive the four core programming components:

• Academic enrichment
• hands-on workshops
• shadowing opportunities
• leadership opportunities

Apply for the ACES or ACES+ program by contacting Carla Tillmon or downloading the application from the Download Forms page.

ECHO (Exploring Careers in Health Occupations)

Students grade 9-12 and undergraduates interested in any health career can enroll in the Health Career Interest Group at anytime.  Students receive monthly newsletters spotlighting various careers in health and are invited to attend health exploration workshops and academic enrichment opportunities such as ACT Prep.

Health Career Presentations

AHEC staff visit middle/Jr. high and Sr. high schools throughout the organization's four county region to present information regarding health care careers to students. These in-class presentations focus on the variety of careers available in health care, specific information regarding health care jobs, health profession schools and how to pursue them.  To request a presentation, please contact Carla Tillmon.

MASH (MAHEC Academy of Science and Health) Camps

MASH Camps are summer day camps aimed at exposing students to the world of science and health care. The camps are put on in conjunction with other community partners and involve many hands-on learning experiences for students focused around health care and the sciences.

Shadowing/Mentoring Experiences

WCMO AHEC facilitates shadowing and mentoring experiences aimed at helping high school and undergraduate students achieve a realistic perspective of what health care professionals do on a daily basis. Students spend time observing health care professionals on the job and talk with them about their profession.

For students interested in attending medical school, WCMO AHEC also facilitates opportunities for students to shadow medical students, attending classes with them and discussing the academic and personal knowledge, skills, abilities and commitment needed to succeed in medical school.

Great Hospital Adventure

The Great Hospital Adventure is a multi-media presentation designed for students grade K-1.  This show includes video and puppets and teaches students about various careers in healthcare, as well as safety and healthy habits.  Students participate in interactive discussion.

Contact Us:

West Central Missouri AHEC
c/o Greater Kansas City LINC
3100 Broadway, Suite 1100
Kansas City, MO 64111

Stephanie Taylor
Executive Director
816-410-8380
816-410-8381 fax
staylor@kclinc.org

Carla Tillmon
Recruitment Coordinator
816-410-8382
816-410-8383 fax
ctillmon@kclinc.org

Shaunna Overfelt
Program Assistant
Youth Health Service Corps Coordinator
816-889-5050 x1254
soverfelt@kclinc.org

Health Education Coordinator
816-889-8500
sriddle@kclinc.org

staff@wcmoahec.org