Appalachian Nursing Academy for high school juniors and seniors in Appalachian counties extends application deadline to April 15

The Appalachian Nursing Academy, for high school students in Appalachia who are wondering if they would like to pursue a career in health care, has extended its application deadline to April 15. 

The academy is a free, two-week summer program at the University of Pikeville July 10-21. It is available to rising junior or senior high school students who reside in one of Kentucky's 54 Appalachian counties. 

Those counties are Adair, Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Edmonson, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Garrard, Green, Greenup, Harlan, Hart, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, McCreary, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe. 

Participants of the academy are required to attend the entire program and participate in a year-long mentorship program following the academy. Those who complete the program will also receive a $1,500 scholarship to any college or university of their choice.

Participants will receive housing, three meals a day, interactive programming and trips to see regional attractions and activities. 

To apply, students will need to submit a permission form, a completed application, a copy of their unofficial transcript and a letter of recommendation. Click here for more information. Click here for answers to frequently asked questions. Applications will close Saturday, April 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The academy is sponsored by Shaping Our Appalachian Region in partnership with the state Department for Public Health and the university. This is the second time the academy has been offered.