A-HEC of a Summer
A-HEC of a Summer is an opportunity for high school students interested in learning about health careers to gain hands-on experience. The AHEC of a Summer program is offered in 21 parishes in North Louisiana and sponsored by the Bayou North Area Health Education Center (AHEC), local health care facilities, and school boards.
Students who participate volunteer and rotate through different areas during the 15-day program. Students also participate in workshops provided by area medical organizations and take field trips to other health care facilities and universities in North Louisiana.
The goal of the program is to connect students to careers. The program provides students a greater understanding of health careers and education resources, while providing a fun and memorable experience, thus coining the name “AHEC of a Summer.” Students who successfully complete the program earn up to 100 community service hours on their transcript and a half unit of elective credit, while also earning their CPR certification.
A-HEC 2024
AHEC’s 2024 participants are (L to R):
Jacoya Lewis (Simsboro),
Brylee Foster (Haynesville),
Dylan Buckner (Claiborne Academy),
Ben Barnette (Claiborne Academy),
and Aidan Wideman (Claiborne Academy).
Aidan Wideman
“I’m very glad I got to be a part of this AHEC summer program. These three weeks have taught me a lot, and now I have a much better understanding of the medical field. I am very thankful for everyone who showed us how stuff works and happens. I definitely recommend the AHEC program, even if you don’t think you want to be a part of it.”
Jacoya Lewis
“I’ve had the best AHEC experience. I had the chance to do and see so many new, cool things. I’m glad I decided to do this program because I know I’m interested in the medical field. I would recommend doing AHEC for everyone!”
Dylan Buckner
“I have enjoyed AHEC a lot. There are some not-so-great things you may see, but for all those moments there are more fun, interesting, and learning moments. I would recommend others to do AHEC.”
Brylee Foster
“AHEC was a great experience! Shadowing the different professions was so much fun and I got to learn so many things about healthcare. I would recommend AHEC to everyone interested in the medical field.”
Benjamin Barnette
“AHEC was very fun, and taught me so much about the medical field. I learned about every field and how everything works around the hospital. It helped me figure out what I want to be and what I don’t want to be.”