The Illinois Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program is a competitive, two-year cohort that expands on traditional health professions education and training with the goal of increasing awareness of, and interest in, rural and underserved urban communities. It’s a federally funded program facilitated through the National Center for Rural Health Professions at the University of Illinois Rockford and eight regional centers throughout the state.
Solution
University officials approached Chartwell Agency to assist with recruitment of students in the first year of the Illinois AHEC Scholars program. Chartwell worked with AHEC network members to develop a microsite to function as an online interactive brochure that would allow prospective students to browse the national program overview, learn more about the Illinois state pilot program, view features and benefits, and hear/read about the student experience through testimonials.
Outcome
A sleek, modern, user-friendly website (www.ilahecscholars.com) is enhancing recruitment efforts for the program in its first year. For the first time, students can apply for the program online, submitting necessary details about themselves and supplemental materials (personal statement, resume and letter of recommendation).
