Ambassador Program Overview

The STAHR Ambassador Program supports the achievement of students pursuing health professions through mentorship and community. The Ambassador Program aims to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success within their programs and professions.

Participating in the Ambassador Program is free. The Ambassador Program runs from September through April. Student Ambassadors are encouraged to participate each year they are enrolled in a health professions education program and will greatly benefit from the strengthened connections with peers and mentors.

Program Details ∇

In the Ambassador Program, mentees and mentors are matched in a cascading style of seniority to provide students with mentorship from the next level of their academic/career path. Students and mentors meet one-on-one throughout the academic year for individualized support. Additionally, STAHR hosts a variety of events throughout the academic year for Ambassadors to create additional connections and participate in knowledge-sharing between mentees and mentors.

Ambassadors participate in the following experiences:

  • One-on-one mentoring meetings twice per semester (four times through the academic year) to discuss goals and progress, challenges and opportunities, and personal and professional development
  • Group/social gatherings to create a community of support
  • Professional development activities, including group community service, to help build skills and bolster portfolios

Ambassadors who successfully meet program expectations will be eligible to receive a scholarship.

About Mentors ∇

Mentors in the Ambassador Program are individuals who invest in supporting the development and achievement of students. In the cascading mentoring structure, mentors are working professionals, practitioners, faculty, and researchers, or are more senior students who can share their knowledge and experiences to support their mentees.

Mentors undergo training to maximize the variety of skills and knowledge needed in their role. Additionally, mentors receive support from STAHR to help address any unknowns or uncertainties they might encounter with their mentees.

Mentors in the Ambassador Program participate in the following experiences:

  • One-on-one mentoring meetings twice per semester (four times through the academic year) to support and advocate for mentees’ success
  • Group/social gatherings to build community with other mentors and mentees
  • Professional development activities, including group community service, to model and support student growth

Mentors for the Ambassador Program will be eligible to receive a letter of recognition of service for your professional portfolio, as well as opportunities for professional development activities and funds.

Apply to Be a Mentor!

STAHR is currently seeking motivated professionals to serve as mentors for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Current UMKC graduate and professional students: see application details below.

Faculty, staff, healthcare professionals, residents, fellows, researchers, and other professionals:

  • Complete the STAHR Mentor Online Application
    • The application is not considered “completed” until the final Submit button has been clicked. After successfully submitting, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided in the application.
  • Application deadline: October 10, 2023 at 11:59pm CST

Mentoring applications undergo a committee review for selection. This committee will review all information about the applicant and determine suitability for the program. The number of mentors able to be accepted is dependent on the number of student mentees. Mentors will be notified of their acceptance by October 20, 2023.

 

Participant Expectations

Students in the Ambassador Program must:

  • Participate in all Ambassador Program activities as an attentive and engaged learner
  • Accept the challenges in developing personally and professionally
  • Maintain good academic standing
  • Foster a community of respect, trust, and support

 

Eligibility

All students in the Ambassador Program must meet the following criteria:

  • Current UMKC student enrolled in a graduate or professional program in the School of Dentistry, School of Medicine, or School of Pharmacy*
  • Availability to participate in Ambassador Program activities from September through April.
    • Mentoring will take place twice per semester based on the schedules of the mentee and mentor
  • From an **economically disadvantaged OR ***educationally disadvantaged background
  • United States Citizen OR Permanent Resident

*Due to federal grant specifications, students interested in pursuing nursing careers are not eligible for this program because nursing is not designated in Section 739 of the Public Health Service Act, which funds this program.

**Per HRSA, “Economically Disadvantaged” is determined by having an annual family income that does not exceed 200% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines.

***Per HRSA, “Educationally Disadvantaged” is determined by an environment that has inhibited students from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to enroll in & graduate from a health professions school.

Questions About Eligibility

STAHR looks at several different criteria to determine eligibility. We encourage all interested students to apply to have their eligibility reviewed.

 

Application Process

Interested students and past participants must apply for the Ambassador Program each year they would like to participate.

Professionals looking to apply to be a mentor in the Ambassador Program will need to complete a different application (see About Mentors).

Requirements

To be considered, the following must be completed prior to the deadline:

  • STAHR Ambassador Online Application
    • The application is not considered “completed” until the final Submit button has been clicked. After successfully submitting, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided in the application.
  • If not a United States Citizen – A copy of your Permanent Residence Card (Green Card). You may attach a copy of your card through the upload spaces in the application or emailed to stahr@umkc.edu.

Deadline

ALL application materials must be submitted by October 10, 2023 at 11:59pm CST.
 

Selection

Students who meet the eligibility requirements and complete all application materials will undergo a committee review for selection. This committee will review all information about the applicant and determine suitability for the program.

In general, successful applicants:

  • Understand and commit to fulfilling all expectations and program requirements
  • Demonstrate a strong interest and connection to the benefits of the program

The number of Ambassadors able to be accepted is dependent on the number of professionals serving as mentors.

Students will be notified of their acceptance by October 17, 2023.