The American Heart Association Scholars Program

Preparing the next generation of leaders in science, medicine and public health.

What is the American Heart Association Scholars Program?

A pathway proven over a decade to develop the next generation of health leaders — students whose talent and lived experience can help shape the future of care when given greater opportunity.

A health workforce that reflects and understands the communities it serves is not only essential but has also been shown to improve patient outcomes.

That is why this work is so important.

For more than a decade, the American Heart Association has guided and supported 500+ scholars — through dedicated programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and into a lifelong professional network.

This is more than a moment.
It is a pathway from early exposure to long-term success.

The Future of Health Needs You

The U.S. is facing a growing healthcare workforce crisis. By 2037, shortages will impact nearly every specialty—especially in communities where access is already limited.

What’s driving it?

  • Burnout and workforce attrition
  • Retiring clinicians and researchers
  • Rising demand for care
  • Too few prepared, next-generation leaders

This isn’t just a talent gap.
It’s a leadership gap.

Become a mentor (PDF)

A Holistic Approach to Healthcare and Science Workforce Development

Research Foundation

Mentored research, national conferences, and a culminating symposium experience.

AI Frontier

Training that turns AI from uncertainty into advantage.

Human Edge

Communication, resilience, and leadership skills that build trust across communities.

The Result

We’re not just preparing students—we’re helping close one of the most urgent gaps in healthcare.

The American Heart Association Scholars Program guides the next generation of health leaders—students who reflect the communities they serve and are equipped to earn trust, communicate clearly, and improve outcomes where it matters most.

Because better care starts with connection.

A group shot of the American Heart Association Undergraduate Scholars class of 2025-26 wearing their white coats.

Undergraduate Program

Undergraduate Scholars

A group of American Heart Association Graduate Program Scholars standing in front of a large heart and torch display

Graduate Program

Graduate Scholars

An American Heart Association Scholar is presenting her scientific poster to a program mentor.

The Scholars Network

The Scholars Network

Through this work, we are guiding:

  • Expanded representation – supporting future clinicians and researchers to bring lived experience into the communities they will serve
  • A stronger research pipeline – advancing scholars toward physician-scientist and clinical leadership pathways
  • Better cardiovascular outcomes – through a workforce approach proven to reduce disparities in care
  • National scale and connection – through a growing network, graduate pathways, and strategic partnerships

This is how we move from access to impact. From talent to leadership. From gaps in care to communities that are seen, heard and understood.

Become a mentor (PDF)

A Proven Model

With 10+ years of impact, the American Heart Association Scholars Program has supported over 500 of students nationwide, preparing them to become the next generation of health leaders.
99%
of scholars earned or are on track to complete a stem degree
95%
of scholars reported the program increased their likelihood of pursuing a stem career
40%+
of scholars have advanced to graduate or professional programs in medicine, science and public health

Scholars in the News

More Scholars News