Health Scholars Program

Gain Early Exposure to Health and Wellness Professions

The Health Scholars Program introduces students to a wide range of health professions while strengthening academic readiness, leadership and community engagement. Through mentoring, workshops and experiential activities, students learn about health careers, develop college-going skills and gain practical exposure to the work happening across the Monterey Bay region.

Requirements for Potential Scholars

• Sophomores or juniors
• Leaders or those with potential for leadership
• Students from marginalized backgrounds
• Letter of recommendation from professors (required) and employers (if applicable)
• Committed to excellence
• 2.5 minimum GPA

What the Program Offers

Program Highlights

• Build the next generation of diverse health leaders and professionals
• Gain tools for academic and career success
• Access mentorship, workshops and hands-on activities
• Prepare for clinical and non-clinical roles in public health
• Explore careers through immersive experiences

Program Components

Health Careers Exploration (Health Career Connection)

Guided activities, panels and field experiences that introduce students to careers across health care, public health and allied health professions.

Professional, Career and Leadership Development (Health Career Connection)

Workshops and mentorship that build confidence, communication skills, cultural humility and readiness for college-level and professional environments.

Wellness Support and Psycho-Social Intervention (CSUMB)

Supportive spaces, wellness tools and community-building activities that help students navigate academic pressures and strengthen resilience.

Academic Support and Enrichment (CSUMB)

Tutoring, advising and learning experiences that reinforce academic success, college preparation and long-term educational planning.

Partnerships that Power the Program

A wide network of campus programs and community organizations supports the Health Scholars Program. Together, they provide academic guidance, mentoring and real-world exposure to health careers.

Campus Partners

• College of Health Science and Human Services – In-kind and fiscal support; science-focused workshops; career pathway programming
• College of Science – In-kind and fiscal support; science workshops; career pathway programming; graduate school field trips
• Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) – Holistic advising and a pool of potential student applicants
• Personal Growth Counseling Center – Emotional and mental health support
• Student Success Services – Academic support and graduation guidance
• Office of Community and Belonging – Equity direction and fiscal support
• Cooperative Learning Center – Academic and learning-style support

Community Partners

• Health Career Connection (HCC) – Comprehensive summer health internship program, including full-time placements, preparation workshops and networking with professionals and HCC alumni
• FACES – Program guidance plus fiscal opportunities for students
• Hartnell College – Support with summer intern recruitment and exposure to allied health and nursing careers through the Health Professions Pathway Partnership
• Monterey Bay Economic Partnership – Promotion of the program to local workforce and healthcare networks