African Heritage PA Caucus Scholarship

Name: Prentiss L. Harrison Memorial / African Heritage PA Caucus Scholarship

Award Amount: $500 to $1,000

• Three scholarships awarded annually.

Information And Eligibility:
The Prentiss L. Harrison Memorial / African Heritage PA Caucus Scholarship is a mission-driven award established to support student physician assistants who are members of the African Heritage PA Caucus and who are considered underrepresented within the PA profession and/or economically disadvantaged. The scholarship exists to reduce financial barriers for PA students while honoring the life, legacy, and lasting impact of Prentiss L. Harrison, the nation’s first African American Physician Assistant.

Mr. Harrison was a graduate of the Duke University Physician Assistant Program in 1968 and went on to become a PA educator, clinic owner, and tireless advocate for medically underserved communities. His career was marked by a deep commitment to patient care, mentorship, and the advancement of diversity within the PA profession. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the Duke PA Program in 2009. Following his passing on December 11, 2018, this scholarship was renamed to permanently honor his legacy and continued influence on future generations of PAs.

This scholarship is awarded to PA students who demonstrate academic progress, professional promise, and a clear commitment to serving underserved populations. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited Physician Assistant program and must have successfully completed at least one academic term. The program places emphasis on supporting students who have already begun their PA training, recognizing the significant financial and academic demands that arise after matriculation.

Eligible applicants must be members of the African Heritage PA Caucus. Student membership dues may be paid at the time of application, and applicants who require financial assistance with membership fees are encouraged to contact the scholarship committee directly. Selection is competitive and based on academic standing, strength of recommendations, quality of the personal essay, and alignment with the mission and values of AHPAC.

Scholarship recipients are selected not only for financial need, but also for their leadership potential and commitment to advancing equity within healthcare. Through this award, AHPAC continues its mission to uplift underrepresented voices in the PA profession while honoring the pioneering legacy of Prentiss L. Harrison.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a PA student enrolled in an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Must have successfully completed at least one semester or quarter of PA coursework.
• Must be in good academic standing.
• Must be a current member of the African Heritage PA Caucus.
• Must submit official or unofficial academic transcripts.

Application Requirements:

• Completed scholarship application, attestation, and reference forms.
• Two letters of reference, including one from a preceptor, clinical instructor, or program director.
• Maximum 1,000-word essay responding to one of the designated scholarship topics.
• Supporting documentation submitted by the stated deadline.

Deadline: February

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