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Only a total of 25 ambassadors are chosen each cohort.
Applications deadline: February 28th, 2026
What is it?
The North Texas Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) High School Ambassadors, also known as Level 1 Ambassadors, is a summer enrichment program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in careers in behavioral health. Designed for students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, the program provides a paid, six-week immersive experience focused on college preparation, professional development, and hands-on learning.
Who is Eligible?
- A US citizen and/or an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the US, or any other “qualified alien” under section 431(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-193 (individuals on temporary or student visas are NOT eligible).
- Be a rising junior or senior in high school with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5
- From an “economically or educationally disadvantaged” background as defined by the HRSA for those who meet two or more of the following criteria:
- Were or currently are homeless, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
- Were or currently are in the foster care system, as defined by the Administration for Children and Families.
- Were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years.
- Family of origin received public assistance (e.g., food stamps, housing assistance, heating assistance, etc.)
- Have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree.
- Family of origin was/is a low-income family/household (i.e., income no more than 200% of poverty level as defined by the Federal register:
| Persons in family/household | Income Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | $31,300 |
| 2 | $42,300 |
| 3 | $53,300 |
| 4 | $64,300 |
| 5 | $75,300 |
| 6 | $86,300 |
| 7 | $97,300 |
| 8 | $108,300 |
For families with more than 8 persons, add $11,000 for each additional person.
Curriculum Topics
The UNT HCOP curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in behavioral health and research methods, equipping students with essential knowledge and skills for careers in health professions. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical applications through diverse topics including:
Teen Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Training students to recognize and respond to mental health crises in adolescents.
Research Methods & Statistics: Building proficiency in designing studies, collecting data, and interpreting results.
Abnormal Psychology: Exploring psychological disorders, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.
Introduction to Psychotherapy: Understanding therapeutic modalities and client engagement techniques.
Cognitive Bases of Behavior: Examining mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.
Biological Bases of Behavior: Studying neurological and physiological underpinnings of behavior.
Affective Bases of Behavior: Investigating emotions and their impact on human functioning.
Lifespan Development: Reviewing psychological growth and changes from infancy through old age.
Social Psychology: Analyzing how individuals are influenced by social environments.
Social Determinants of Health: Understanding how social factors impact health outcomes.
Health Equity and Disparities: Addressing systemic inequalities affecting community health.
Learning Theory: Applying principles of learning and behavior modification.
History of Psychology: Tracing the evolution of psychological thought and practice.
Immersive Labs: Hands-on experiences to apply psychological concepts in simulated settings.
Soft Skills: Developing communication, teamwork, and professional skills essential in healthcare.
Program Benefits
- Academic and College Advising: Personalized support in course selection, academic planning, and college applications to keep you on track for success.
- Introduction to Clinical Science Research: Gain foundational knowledge in clinical science through guided research experiences and academic instruction.
Professional Mentorship: Connect with experienced healthcare professionals who will mentor you throughout the program, offering insight and career guidance. - Experiential Learning and Field Trips: Engage in real-world clinical observations and educational field trips that bring your learning to life.
- College Exploration Tours: Visit college campuses to learn about academic programs, student life, and admissions processes.
- Research Presentation Opportunities: Showcase your work in a juried research poster competition and receive professional feedback on your research skills.
- Test Prep Resources: Gain access to SAT or ACT prep tools through Magoosh to support your college admissions journey.
- Financial Support Services: Participants receive a stipend to offset the cost of living.
- Educational Financial Planning: Receive expert guidance on grants, loans, and other financial aid resources to support your future education.
Program Structure
Daily programming runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (no sessions on June 19th and July 4th). Each day consists of 6 hours of focused learning, combining academic coursework, professional development, hands-on labs, and mentorship to prepare students for health careers. There is no homework assigned students focus entire on in-class learning and activities.
Typical Day at a Glance
* This is just an exampy of a typical day at a glance and does not reflect the whole summer academy.
Have Questions?
Check out our FAQs and email us if you have additional questions at UNT-HCOP@unt.edu!