The Health Care Scholars United Bootcamp, supported by the United Health Foundation, is an opportunity for American Indian College Fund health care scholars to attend a university expedition filled with workshops, networking opportunities, professional panel discussions, and much more. It immerses scholars into a grand experience that explores the barriers to access and successes in the healthcare system in Indian Country.
Participants learn more about their area of study and get a chance to see up close the successes and challenges Native students and professionals face while studying in their programs and in their lines of work. Through their participation they gain a platform to elevate their voices and widen their perspectives through networking with other students, faculty, staff and other healthcare professionals in the university and other settings.
Scholars are eligible for participation based on their overall good standing in completing their studies throughout the academic year.a
The event is offered every semester and is open to all scholars who wish to attend. It has grown from six participants in the fall of 2024 to 16 scholars in the spring of 2025.
The program has grown over the years in scope and size. Today’s unique experience gives scholars an all-in-one-adventure that includes knowledge-gathering, networking, on-the-ground tutorials, tours, and more, all in a new setting. Many Native students rarely have the chance to leave their reservations, let alone their states, to travel across the country.
This program approaches learning through a cultural lens and is led by Native leaders in their fields who demonstrate how hard work pays off and persistence gave them the opportunity to help their communities in the careers of their choice.
