PAVE project inspires rural and disadvantaged students to explore health career opportunities

August 25, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The National AHEC Organization’s Pathways by AHECs using Virtual Reality Education (PAVE) project is encouraging rural and marginalized youth to explore and prepare for healthcare careers through immersive, hands-on learning. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Pathways for Youth (WPY) program, the three-year initiative runs through September 2026 and is already helping thousands of young people take meaningful steps towards careers in medicine, nursing, emergency response, and other healthcare fields.

Implemented by Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) in Nevada, North Carolina, Kentucky,

Wisconsin, Vermont, Montana, and the Hawaii/Pacific islands region, PAVE has engaged more than 4,360 youth ages 14–21 through out-of-school programming, including career fairs, summer camps, afterschool clubs, and internships. 

A signature element of PAVE is its use of virtual reality (VR) simulations, which bring healthcare careers to life through realistic, interactive experiences—allowing students to practice everything from taking vital signs and following safety procedures to performing advanced tasks related to specific careers.

Jennifer Cruz, center director of Guam AHEC, believes that the VR headsets have enhanced their ability to deliver immersive and effective training for students. “The headsets have empowered our program to better simulate real-world scenarios, helping students build confidence and develop critical skills in a safe, controlled environment,” she said.

To date, 470 students have engaged in job shadowing and internships in settings ranging from community clinics to hospital operating rooms, gaining real-world insight into the skills and responsibilities of healthcare professionals.

Beyond technology, PAVE pairs students with healthcare professionals in clinics, hospitals, and

community health settings. These real-world encounters have enabled students to observe surgeries, support patient care, and witness firsthand the diverse paths available in healthcare.

“PAVE gave me hands-on skills like maintaining sterile environments, using PPE, and interacting with patients professionally,” said Landon Thompson, a Northeast Kentucky AHEC PAVE participant. “Shadowing exceptional surgeons and completing online lessons helped me figure out the path that’s right for me. I’m deeply grateful to PAVE and AHEC for these extraordinary opportunities.”

The initiative is also building stronger local networks, forming 234 new partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, colleges, and community organizations to create sustainable, community-based pathways into the health professions.

The National AHEC Organization continues to support PAVE and other initiatives that build a stronger, more representative healthcare workforce and expand access to career exploration opportunities for all students. To learn more about the PAVE project or the work of AHECs nationwide, visit www.nationalahec.org.