About the Tilikum Summer Health Experience

The Tilikum Summer Health Experience is a free 5-week hybrid summer enrichment program specifically designed for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) freshman and sophomore college students with no more than 60 college credits. 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 the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE), and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).

The Tilikum Summer Health Experience is part of the AAMC’s Minority Serving Institutions Pathway Initiative (MSIPI). MSIPI offers students aspiring to pursue careers in health professions a unique opportunity to engage in tailored programming at either a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) or a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). 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.

MSIPI will include two institutions:

Albany State University
Portland State University

Tilikum Summer Health Experience Dates

July 7 - August 8, 2025

3 weeks of virtual programming from July 7 - July 25
2 weeks in-person in Portland, OR from July 27 - August 8

Overview of the Tilikum Summer Health Experience

The Tilikum Summer Health Experience at Portland State University, in collaboration with the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE) at OHSU, offers a unique and immersive experience for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) undergraduate students interested in health professions. The program combines academic enrichment, professional development, and cultural engagement to prepare students for future careers in healthcare while staying connected to their Indigenous heritage.

Tilikum features three weeks of virtual programming followed by two weeks of in-person activities at PSU and OHSU. Students will engage in core science courses, cultural wellness activities, clinical shadowing, and professional development workshops, all within a supportive and culturally responsive environment.

Clinical Experience

Students will have hands-on opportunities in PSU’s Labs and OHSU’s Simulation Center, shadowing healthcare professionals in medical, dental, and public health settings. The program also includes specialized training in areas like Tribal Opioid Response, led by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.

Health Profession Tracks Offered

Medicine

Program Components

Academic Enrichment

Core Science Courses: Strengthen your understanding of Biology, Chemistry, and Microbiology. Courses may also include 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.

Why Join Tilikum?

The Tilikum Summer Health Experience offers AI/AN students the opportunity to develop essential academic and professional skills while staying connected to their culture. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and cultural immersion, Tilikum prepares you for success in your undergraduate studies and future health careers, empowering you to become a leader in your community and the healthcare field.

Eligibility for Tilikum Summer Health Experience

Be a citizen or descendant of a federally recognized or state recognized American Indian/Alaska Native Tribe
Must be a high school graduate and currently enrolled as a freshman or sophomore in college.
- Applicants should have earned no more than 60 credits when submitting their application.
  - Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate credits are not counted.
  - Dual enrollment credits are counted.
Have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5
U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Not previously participated in an SHPEP/MSIPI program

Financial Assistance

Stipend - Each student will receive a $1,000 stipend, distributed in two installments.
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 - Participants will be housed in PSU dormitories during the two-week in-person segment.

Apply

Online applications open November 1st, 2024
Application Deadline February 5th, 2025
Decisions are Released March 15th, 2025

Contact

Contact the Tilikum Summer Health Experience Program Manager Alethea Barlowe for more information

FAQs

Immunizations: Are students required to be immunized before arriving in Portland?
Yes. Students must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and measles vaccination is required to live in the dorm. For clinical shadowing purposes full vaccination including MMR, TDap, Chx, and TB test are required.

Academic Credit: Do students receive academic credit for participating in the Tilikum Summer Health Experience?
No. Academic credit is not provided to Tilikum participants.

Cost: Is there a cost to participate in the summer program?
No, this program is free. Students are provided a small stipend during the 5 week program. Free room and board.

Steps to Success with the SHPEP Application video

Tilikum Summer Health Experience

Tilikum Webinars