Encouraging the College Bound into Healthcare Occupations (ECHO)

Encouraging the College Bound into Healthcare Occupations (ECHO) is a research study funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the effectiveness of multiple interventions with students, especially at-risk, African American, and Hispanic students and their intent to pursue health careers. You will be provided with accurate health career information and opportunities for career shadowing, mentoring and guidance from an AHEC coordinator, parent academies including financial aid presentations and college tours, and the opportunity to attend a Health Careers Summer Camp. Students participating in ECHO activities are eligible to apply for a   $ 1,500 college scholarship. This ECHO program study has been approved by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston’s Institutional Review Board (IRB).

The ECHO program’s $ 1,500 scholarship award is intended to support students who have demonstrated a commitment to completing their education and have certain financial hardships that make it difficult to pay for the cost of attending college.  Facilitated by the East Texas Area Health Education Center’s Coastal Regional Office, it is a grant funded through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and provides another line of support for students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care. In conjunction with participating high school counselors and school Health Occupation Student Associations (HOSAs), the ECHO Program requires students to complete career-related meetings, projects and other hands-on activities throughout the school year.

This award will be provided via the East Texas Area Health Education Center’s Coastal Regional Office.  The award will be used to help reach each student’s educational goals and can be applied toward any education-related costs, including textbooks, tuition, lab fees, uniforms, etc.

If you are interested in the ECHO program or another Health Careers Promotion activity, please contact Lucero Salinas or Isaac Mancillas (409) 933-0021, or via email at imancillas@cahectx.org.