Over the summer, Grayson County High School class of 2017 graduate Ashley Clemons attended the highly competitive and strenuous four-and-a-half week PEPP Scholars academic residential program at the UK Chandler Medical Center.
She was one of only 34 incoming college students selected for the Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP).
PEPP Scholars addresses the needs of rural areas by preparing students from underserved communities for the demands of the highly competitive health professions admissions exams, as well as the challenges of an undergrad curriculum. The majority of students chosen to participate in PEPP Scholars are from areas of the Commonwealth with health professional shortages.
Students are selected based on a record of academic excellence, outstanding standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and a personal statement of “Why I want to be a Physician or Dentist?”
This year’s class average GPA was 3.98, with average overall ACT score of 28.1 and an average Science ACT score of 27.4.
Students attend seminars and courses designed to provide a foundation in the sciences and an understanding of many critical issues in the healthcare field. They learn about many areas of healthcare through hospital rotations at the UK Medical Center. Participants also receive many dental experiences, as well as shadowing opportunities in the Dental Urgent Care Clinic and Oral Surgery department.
In addition, PEPP Scholars participate in many community outreach experiences and mentor activities. This year’s class had the opportunity to touch over 350 individuals through their volunteer efforts.
