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EPiC
Feb 10, 2025

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The Emory Pipeline Collaborative (EPiC) is a federally-funded program designed to prepare high school students for college success and entrance into health careers. It aims to enhance students' academic achievements, college readiness, mentoring support, and health career awareness and self-efficacy. The program is a collaborative partnership between Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta Metropolitan State College, and Southeastern Primary Care Consortium Inc’s Atlanta Area Health Education Center. The curriculum of EPiC spans three years, commencing in the spring of the student's 10th-grade year. It includes 10 sessions on Reproductive Health in the spring of 10th grade, 10 sessions on Neurology and Mental Health in the spring of 11th grade, and 10 sessions on Public Health in the spring of 12th grade. Each summer, students participate in SAT preparation, college/career readiness activities, health career exposure, and clinical experience programs. The program is delivered through after-school sessions and summer institutes. Sessions are led by graduate and professional students in medicine, public health, and health sciences. The staff includes Dr. Yolanda Hood, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Allen Lee, associate director, Annie James Butler, program coordinator, and Drew Kohlhorst, the evaluator. Eligibility for the program includes enrollment at specific Atlanta Public Schools, eligibility for the Free/Reduced Lunch program, and a GPA of at least 3.0 with enrollment in at least one honors, AP, or IB course, or demonstrated potential. The student should be interested in a health care career and show a commitment to actively participate in 12 after-school sessions during Spring Semester and Summer Institutes before Junior and Senior years. Participation in EPiC benefits students by pairing them with undergraduate mentors, increasing awareness of health professions pathways, enhancing academic preparation for college, and providing exposure to clinical skills simulations. It also aids in the development of a college application portfolio, increases knowledge and self-confidence in college admissions and financial aid processes, and offers visits to local colleges and healthcare facilities. Upon completion, the ultimate goal is the students' enrollment in a post-secondary institution.

written by
Rishab Jain