Description
Overview
The Tilikum Summer Health Experience is a free 5-week hybrid summer enrichment program specifically designed for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) undergraduate college students (primarily freshman and sophomores). Through a combination of virtual learning and in-person experiences, students will receive academic training, mentorship, and hands-on exposure to the health professions, all while staying connected to their cultural identity.
Tilikum is hosted at Portland State University (PSU) in partnership with OHSU, the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE), and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) as part of the Minority Serving Institutions Pathway Initiative (MSIPI). This initiative honors and incorporates the rich cultural values, traditions, and heritage of American Indian, Alaska Native, and African American communities, providing a culturally responsive and supportive environment.
Program Dates
July 6 - August 7, 2026
- 2 weeks of virtual programming
- 3 weeks in-person in Portland, OR
Financial Assistance
- Stipend - Each student will receive a $1,000 stipend per week ($5,000 total).
- Meals - A meal allowance will be provided during the in-person portion of the program.
- Travel - Need-based travel assistance of up to $500 will be provided to help cover travel to Portland for the in-person portion.
Living
- Housing - Housing is FREE. Participants will be housed in PSU dormitories during the in-person segment.
Program Components
Academic Enrichment
- Core Science Courses: Strengthen your understanding of Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology and Public Health/Biostatistics.
- Learning Skills Workshops: Improve your study skills, time management, and group learning techniques, ensuring your success in challenging academic environments.
- Health Policy and Disparities: Learn about the healthcare challenges facing Indigenous communities and explore how health policy can address these disparities.
- Community Research Projects: Gain hands-on experience through small research projects focused on health disparities in AI/AN populations, giving you a deeper understanding of public health issues.
Indigenous Health & Wellness (IHAW)
- Cultural Wellness Activities: Participate in activities such as powwow yoga, plant medicine workshops, and other wellness activities rooted in Indigenous practices to promote balance and resilience.
- Cultural Site Visits: Visit important Indigenous sites like the NAYA garden and the Grand Ronde Cultural Resource Office, connecting with Native-led health initiatives and learning how culture impacts healthcare delivery.
- Mentorship: Build strong connections with AI/AN healthcare professionals, who will offer personalized guidance throughout your journey. Your mentorship will extend beyond the program with your mentor/RAs and the Bridge Manager, providing long-term support.
Professional Development
- Clinical Experience: Get hands-on practice in PSU’s Labs and OHSU’s Simulation Center, learning key clinical skills while working alongside healthcare providers.
- Shadowing Opportunities: Shadow healthcare professionals at OHSU and get firsthand experience in medical, dental, and public health settings.
- Opioid Response Training: Participate in a Tribal Opioid Response Training led by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, giving you critical tools to address health issues.
Social and Cultural Activities
- Welcome Dinner: Meet your fellow participants, mentors, and faculty at the Welcome Dinner, which kicks off the in-person portion of the program.
- Closing Ceremony: Celebrate your accomplishments at the Closing Ceremony, a powerful event that reflects on your growth and prepares you for future academic and professional success.
- Explore Portland: Experience Portland’s culture with activities like food trucks, outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and more.
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements for Tilikum Summer Health Experience
- Must be an AI/AN undergraduate college student interested in health professions.
- Not previously participated in an SHPEP/MSIPI program
