Health Initiatives
AIHEC Health Initiatives are educational programs that work hand in hand with Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) to nurture future healthcare professionals who will empower Tribal Nations to meet the health needs of their communities. AIHEC Health Initiatives support the engagement of TCU students and provide avenues of success in cultivating Tribal ownership of the research process and strengthening Tribal communities through innovative health initiatives. Activities are driven by student first approaches weaving resiliency, culture, academics, and practices that respect Tribal sovereignty and nation-building.
Key Initiatives
AIM-AHEAD
AIHEC partners with the National Institutes of Health’s AIM-AHEAD program to expand capacity in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) across TCUs. The initiative supports faculty, students, and communities through AI training, applied research opportunities, and health-focused learning experiences that strengthen pathways into emerging technology and health careers.
NARCH - Native American Research Centers for Health
AIHEC supports Native-led health research initiatives that strengthen American Indian and Alaska Native research capacity, expand Tribal community health partnerships, and increase participation of TCUs in culturally grounded health research.
CHRT - Circle of Health Research Training
The Circle of Health Research Training (CHRT) Program provides Tribal College and University students with hands-on opportunities to explore American Indian and Alaska Native health research through mentorship, research training, and community-based learning experiences. Grounded in the teachings of the Medicine Wheel, the initiative helps strengthen pathways into Native health research careers.
IHEART - Indigenous Health, Education, and Resources Taskforce
The Indigenous Health, Education, and Resources Taskforce (IHEART) is a national Native-led collaborative working to strengthen pathways for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing health professions and health education careers. The initiative brings together educators, students, organizations, and community partners to support American Indian and Alaska Native health workforce development and culturally responsive systems change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are AIHEC Health Initiatives?
AIHEC Health Initiatives are national efforts that support Tribal Colleges and Universities in strengthening health education, research, and workforce development to improve the wellbeing of Tribal communities.
What types of STEM areas does AIHEC support?What areas do the current health grants focus on?
Current grant-funded work focuses on three main areas: Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Health Research, and Health Training.
What organizations partner with AIHEC Health Initiatives?
AIHEC works with Tribal Colleges and Universities, Tribal Nations, federal agencies, and national partners committed to American Indian and Alaska Native health equity and capacity building.
How do these initiatives support Tribal communities?
They support Tribal communities by building local capacity, expanding health education opportunities, and developing culturally grounded solutions to address community-identified health needs.
How do students participate in these initiatives?
Students participate through coursework, research projects, internships, and community-based learning experiences tied to health programming at their TCUs.
How do these programs support Tribal health sovereignty and self-determination?
Programs strengthen Tribal control over health education and systems by ensuring initiatives are led by Tribal communities and grounded in Indigenous knowledge and priorities.
Have questions about this program?
Contact us at info@aihec.org