Health Careers Exposure Program Academy

Invest in Future Health Leaders

The Health Careers Exposure Program (HCEP) Academy — formerly known as HCOP — is a dynamic summer experience at Morehouse School of Medicine that transforms potential into purpose. Rooted in MSM’s mission to lead the advancement of health equity toward health justice, HCEP Academy prepares and equips the next generation of diverse, compassionate, and skilled health professionals.

Each year, 20–35 outstanding high school and undergraduate students are selected for this highly competitive program that blends academic enrichment, professional mentorship, and immersive healthcare exploration. Designed to close opportunity gaps and open career pathways, HCEP Academy empowers students to see themselves as the health leaders of tomorrow.

Why HCEP Academy

The investment of HCEP Academy introduces your student to a proven model that:

• Expands Access & Opportunity: Recruits economically and educationally disadvantaged students with the drive to pursue health and biomedical careers.
• Strengthens Academic Success: Enhances academic achievement through mentorship and instruction that improves grades, test scores, and college admission outcomes.
• Builds Core Competencies: Develops critical thinking, research, data analysis, and professional communication skills essential for thriving in health professions.
• Inspires Career Confidence: Exposes students to anatomy labs, public health research, case studies, and interactive workshops led by healthcare professionals and MSM faculty.

The HCEP Academy Pathway

Participants advance through four levels of engagement, from high school discovery to pre-professional preparation — a structured pathway that builds confidence, leadership, and readiness for success in higher education and beyond.

Through hands-on learning, professional development, and mentorship, HCEP Academy proves that when we invest in future health leaders, we build stronger, healthier communities for generations to come.

• High School Discovery & Ambassador Track

  Where Curiosity Becomes Career Confidence

  

  Each year, the Health Careers Exposure (HCEP) Academy welcomes 20 high-potential high school juniors from across the Metro Atlanta area — students who dream of making an impact in medicine, science, and community health. With a mission rooted in equity and access, we intentionally recruit economically and educationally disadvantaged students who demonstrate strong academic promise and an unwavering commitment to learning.

  Admission is competitive and holistic. Candidates are evaluated on teacher recommendations, academic performance, and a structured interview with HCEP Academy staff. This process ensures we select students who are ready to grow, lead, and reimagine what’s possible in healthcare.

   An Immersive Journey into Health and Leadership

  From day one, HCEP High School Ambassadors step into a transformative, four-week experience that blends academic enrichment, real-world exposure, and personal growth. Guided by MSM staff, faculty, clinicians, and medical students, participants engage in an intentional curriculum that brings science and service to life.

  Through hands-on learning and mentorship, students:

  • 

    Explore anatomy, health sciences, and medical ethics through engaging labs and simulations
  • Strengthening academic success with personalized tutorials and SAT/ACT preparation
  • Develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills through interactive workshops
  • Participate in career exploration and job shadowing with healthcare professionals
  • Engage in Lunch & Learn sessions with MSM faculty and alumni
  • Collaborate on community projects that promote health equity and advocacy
  • Discuss current healthcare challenges in peer-led research and reflection sessions
  • Discover diverse medical and public health pathways through Career Spotlights

  Transforming Potential into Purpose

  HCEP Ambassadors don’t just learn about healthcare — they see themselves as part of it.  Every lecture, lab, and conversation builds confidence, direction, and a deep understanding that leadership in health begins with opportunity. 

  “HCEP helped me realize that my voice matters in medicine. I didn’t just learn — I transformed.”
  — 2025 HCEP High School Ambassador

  Program Requirements:

  Classification: Rising Junior
  GPA Minimum: 2.85
  Interest: Health Career
  Interview: Required
  Application Acceptance: February 1 - March 27, 2026
  Cost: $1,000

  Deadline is Friday, March 27, 2026

  Apply Now external link

• College Ambassadors Program (Hematology-focused fellowship in partnership with the American Society of Hematology & Emory University Hematology Dept.)

  Students with an interest in a hematology-focused health career and entering their third year of study are recruited from the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) and institutions across the nation. Disadvantaged and underserved students are selected for participation based on academic potential (as assessed by instructors), prior grades, examination performance, and a structured interview. One student will be selected to take part in a research experience for the summer of 2026 in partnership with the American Society of Hematology and Emory University Hematology Dept.

  Students will participate in a four-week summer research session, during the month of June, with a stipend in the amount of $3,000. The summer session will be held daily on the campus of Emory University with the option to join select sessions with the Morehouse School of Medicine College Ambassadors.

  The goal of this fellowship is to provide hematology exposure to undergraduate students who have an interest of pursuing a career in hematology, either as a clinician, basic scientist, or both. During this summer internship selected students will have the opportunity to shadow clinicians at the Emory Hematology department and participate in either laboratory or clinical research. Selected students will also receive mentorship from hematologists, attend seminars and didactics to help improve their knowledge in hematology, as well as have an opportunity to present their research work. 

  Program Requirements:

  Classification: Junior or Senior
  GPA Minimum: 3.0
  Application Deadline: March 27, 2026
  Interest: Hematology
  Interview: Required

  Deadline is Friday, March 27, 2026

  Apply Now external link