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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM