AAPA and CARES Mentoring Movement Connect Louisiana Teens to PA Career Path

AAPA and CARES Mentoring Movement Connect Louisiana Teens to PA Career Path

(NEW ORLEANS, May 27, 2026) - Forty Louisiana middle and high schoolers from the CARES Mentoring Movement network joined the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) for immersion and hands-on learning about the physician associate (PA) profession at AAPA 2026.

Licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting, PAs are essential to addressing healthcare access challenges in the U.S. The need is especially acute in states like Louisiana, where 60 out of 64 parishes are designated as healthcare provider shortage areas.

The day of learning and mentorship provided the high school students with first-hand knowledge about one of the fastest growing healthcare professions, offering an excellent opportunity for students interested in STEM fields.

"Evidence shows that a more representative healthcare workforce results in increased access to healthcare services, fewer delays in seeking care, better communication, and greater patient satisfaction," said Kim Williams, vice president of health equity & community engagement, AAPA. "Encouraging underrepresented communities to join the PA profession can play a crucial role in bridging gaps in healthcare access. AAPA's Project Access program is encouraging the next generation of PAs and introducing these students to a promising career path."

AAPA's Project Access is an outreach initiative aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented PAs in the profession, providing more accessible healthcare, and addressing healthcare disparities. As Project Access volunteers, PAs around the country give presentations at schools and other community organizations to expose students from underrepresented communities to this growing profession.

Born out of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the National CARES Mentoring Movement is a pioneering, nationwide effort to mobilize communities in recruiting mentors. Its mission is to end generational poverty by confronting and healing the layered traumas affecting children, while delivering two-generation group mentoring programs that promote wellness and pathways to workforce success.

"We were honored to partner with AAPA's Project Access initiative during their annual conference to introduce young scholars across our program network to the dynamic physician associate career pathway," said Stephen Powell, chief programs and partnerships officer at the National CARES Mentoring Movement. "By leveraging the time and talent of an exceptional group of PAs, PA students and healthcare providers, we created a meaningful bridge of opportunity by empowering young people to strengthen their soft skills while gaining exposure to an allied healthcare profession that has the potential to transform their lives."

The high schoolers included students from McMain High School and Dorothy Height School in New Orleans and Alexandria Middle Magnet School and Peabody Magnet High School in Alexandria, LA. Joining the high schoolers were students fromSouthern University at New Orleans, Xavier University of New Orleans, and Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta.

"Learning about the diverse pathways PAs took into the profession, along with their deep commitment to serving others, was incredibly inspiring," said Jamaerra Harris-Cannonier, a National CARES HBCU RISING STEM Mentor from Clark Atlanta University.

For more information about the National CARES Mentoring Movement, please visit www.caresmentoring.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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Media Contacts: AAPA: [email protected]; CARES: [email protected]

About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)

AAPA is the sole national professional organization for all physician associates/assistants (PAs). PAs are licensed, board-certified clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. Learn more about the profession at aapa.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.