Tribal Health Scholars

Tribal Health Scholars (THS) is a paid externship program that supports and inspires AIAN high school students to envision themselves as healthcare professionals. Scholars from our partner communities, as well as from any Tribes in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), are encouraged to apply.

• $700 for completing online curriculum (10 hours)
• $600 for completing shadowing (10 hours)
• Scrubs provided

• Scholars join virtually 1 hour per week, for 10 weeks, and meet as a cohort with a member of the NNACOE team. Together, scholars will:
• Hear from AI/AN guest speakers working in the healthcare field
• Review educational pathways for the different career fields in healthcare, and
• Have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their experiences
• In addition to the online course, scholars will shadow at their local clinic following different health care professionals for 10 hours.

THS now operates in nine tribal communities:

• Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
• Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
• Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
• Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
• Klamath Tribes
• Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
• Coquille Indian Tribe
• Nez Perce Tribe (Lapwai, )
• Mt. Edgecumbe High School (Sitka, AK)

Scholars from these communities, as well from any Tribes in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), are encouraged to apply!

Please note:

Scholars from non-partner PNW Tribes will have to arrange their own shadowing.

• Week 1:
  Orientation & Mentorship
• Week 2:
  Doctors/Providers/Surgeons Part 1
• Week 3:
  Doctors/Providers/Surgeons Part 2
• Week 4:
  Eyecare
• Week 5:
  Dental
• Week 6:
  Public Health
• Week 7:
  Nursing Careers
• Week 8:
  Research, Diagnostic, Lab, Pharmacy & Allied Health
• Week 9:
  Emergency Medicine
• Week 10:
  Behavioral Health
• Week 11:
  Finance/Extra Credit & Focus Groups

• Must be in high school
• Must be enrolled or descended from a federally recognized tribe
• Attendance is required every week. Join virtual sessions by computer / phone, and in-person for clinical shadowing
• You will earn a stipend upon successful completion of the program

Concerned about transportation or access to wifi? Contact Katie at murpkati or Isaac at butleris