The Delaware Valley University Physician Assistant (PA) program is partnering with Inspire U! to host a PA Exploration Academy for aspiring high school students. The program has been approved for a grant to offer five qualified participants scholarships that will cover the program cost. The grant is made possible by the nccPA Health Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit and a supporting organization to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the only national certifying body for more than 168,000 PAs in the US. During this week-long summer academy, participants will learn about allied health occupations and career pathways with a focus on the PA profession. Participants will gain exposure to clinical skills via simulators, tour a local hospital, work through patient case studies, and attend didactic presentations related to the PA profession, with a goal of encouraging these high school students to further consider pursuing the PA profession.
The mission of the DelVal PA Program is to teach students to learn to meet the diverse needs of society and communities as a multi-culturally competent healthcare professional. The authors of this grant application have recruited and enrolled a diverse population of PA students in the DelVal PA Program and believe that the development of PA students from underrepresented communities begins during the formative high school years. This grant aligns with DelVal’s program mission and personal commitment to increasing the diversity of the PA profession.
About nccPA
The nccPA Health Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit and a supporting organization to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the only national certifying body for more than 168,000 PAs in the US. The Health Foundation seeks to advance the role of Certified PAs to improve health through grants and other programs that address mental and behavioral health, oral health, professional practice, health disparities, DEI, and equitable care. The Health Foundation’s values are to benefit patients, promote the PA profession, foster partnerships, support equitable care, and use research and education for informed decision-making.