What is it?
The North Texas Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Pre-Matriculation Ambassadors, also known as Level 2 Ambassadors, is a summer enrichment program designed for recent high school graduates who are college-bound and interested in careers in behavioral health. Tailored for students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, this paid, six-week experience builds on the foundation of Level 1 by offering advanced academic preparation, professional development, and hands-on learning opportunities. Level 2 supports participants in their transition to college while deepening their understanding of behavioral health careers and strengthening their readiness for future health professions training.
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 graduating 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 Level 2 curriculum offers a comprehensive introduction to behavioral health and research methods, equipping college-bound students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in the health professions. This six-week program blends theory with real-world application, covering a wide range of topics essential to success in behavioral health:
🧠 Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Training students to identify, understand, and respond to mental health crises in young adults and peers.
📊 Research Methods & Statistics: Introducing the fundamentals of research design, data collection, and analysis to build scientific literacy.
🧩 Abnormal Psychology: Exploring psychological disorders, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based treatment approaches.
💬 Introduction to Psychotherapy: Examining therapeutic approaches and strategies for effective client communication and engagement.
🧠 Cognitive Bases of Behavior: Studying mental processes such as memory, attention, perception, and decision-making.
🧬 Biological Bases of Behavior: Understanding the brain, nervous system, and physiological factors that influence behavior.
❤️ Affective Bases of Behavior: Investigating the role of emotions in psychological functioning and overall well-being.
🌱 Lifespan Development: Exploring psychological development across the human lifespan—from infancy to late adulthood.
🤝 Social Psychology: Analyzing how social influences, group dynamics, and interpersonal relationships shape behavior.
🏥 Social Determinants of Health: Examining how socioeconomic status, environment, and access to resources affect health outcomes.
⚖️ Health Equity and Disparities: Addressing systemic barriers and promoting equitable care in diverse communities.
📚 Learning Theory: Applying behavioral and cognitive theories to understand how people acquire and change behaviors.
📜 History of Psychology: Tracing the development of major psychological theories and contributions throughout history.
🔬 Immersive Labs: Engaging in hands-on activities that apply psychological concepts in real-world and simulated settings.
✨ Soft Skills Development: Strengthening communication, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism—key competencies for success in healthcare environments.
Program Benefits
- College Transition and Academic Advising: Receive personalized support as you prepare to enter college, including help with course planning, navigating academic expectations, and building skills for a successful first year.
- Build Essential Research Skills: Engage in hands-on research experiences focused on clinical and behavioral health topics. Learn how to design research questions, collect and analyze data, and present your findings.
- Near-Peer Leadership and Mentorship Training: Develop leadership skills and receive training to serve as mentors and role models for high school students in Level 1. Gain experience in peer mentoring, communication, and guiding others through the early stages of the health career pipeline.
- Experiential Learning and Workforce Engagement: Connect directly with healthcare professionals through site visits, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. Learn firsthand about careers in behavioral health, workplace culture, and real-world challenges from those actively working in the field.
- Build Skills for College Success: Strengthen your preparedness for college through workshops on time management, campus resource navigation, and academic success strategies tailored for first-year students.
- Scientific Communication Opportunity: Present your research in a professional poster session judged by faculty and healthcare professionals. Build confidence and skill in communicating scientific information.
- Financial Incentive: Participants receive a stipend to offset the cost of living.
- Financial Planning for Higher Education: Gain practical knowledge about financial aid, budgeting, and long-term planning to support your academic journey through college and beyond.
Program Structure
Programming runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding June 19th and July 4th). Each day includes 6 hours of immersive learning, blending advanced academic coursework, professional development workshops, hands-on labs, and mentorship opportunities designed to prepare students for successful careers in health professions. Students are fully engaged during sessions, with no homework assigned, allowing focused participation in all in-class 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!