PAEA PA Student Success is a recruitment program that aims to encourage K-12 students from all backgrounds and regions to consider the PA profession as a career. Our primary goal is to increase the number of qualified PAs across the country, provide primary care, and increase the overall health of the growing patient population. We aim to help students become competitive candidates for PA programs by preparing them early in their education.
PA Student Success Student-Led Competition
Each year during National PA Week, we honor PAs and their incredible contributions to medicine. Starting in 2021, we created a competition to see which of our programs could host the most innovative and engaging, student-led informational event during PA Week. We are excited to continue this competition annually and have included the details for team registration and participation below.
2025 Competition Details
These are the important dates for the 2025 student competition:
- June 17 – Registration open
- July 11 – Registration closed at 11:59pm ET
- August 8 – Complete project plans due by 11:59pm ET
- October 6-12 – Teams should plan to host their events during or prior to PA Week
- October – Winners announced
Each team’s event will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Project Plan – Team submits fully developed plan, which includes PA student team members information, local school visit information (location, numbers, plans for evaluations), a timeline for the activity, implementation, and follow-up, and a wire-frame or outline of the actual activity or activities planned
- Engagement – Local students are engaged in activity and learning, not just watching a video or Powerpoint
- Originality – Project/Event innovates on the standard model for events (more than just showing students the PAEA powerpoint)
- Clarity of Expression – Project clearly describes the profession and translates the information to the specific audience
- Creativity – Team uses multiple mediums and innovative means of delivering the message; project has entertainment quality
- Impact/Sustainability – Team forges a connection between school/program and follow up activities are planned or scheduled
Bonus Points – We will award bonus points based on the grades the team’s visit:
- 3 points – Visits to K-8 grades
- 2 points – Visits to 9-12 grades
- 1 point – Visits to community college and/or undergrad
PA Student Success at the Forum
We will coordinate visits to high schools in the San Diego area, and we’re looking for volunteers to join us and share their stories. *Note that this is an expression of interest, not a commitment.*
PA Program/Student Team Sign-up
Registration for the 2025 PA Student Success (PASS) Competition is now closed
PA Student Success Event Photo Submission
Please use this link to submit information about your PA Student Success event and photos.
Previous Competition Details
Winners:
- 1st Place: Lake Erie College
- 2nd Place: Keck Graduate Institute
- 3rd Place: University of Iowa
Scoring Rubric:
Each team’s event will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Project Plan – Team submits fully developed plan, which includes PA student team members information, local school visit information (location, numbers, plans for evaluations), a timeline for the activity, implementation, and follow-up, and a wire-frame or outline of the actual activity or activities planned
- Engagement – Local students are engaged in activity and learning, not just watching a video or Powerpoint
- Originality – Project/Event innovates on the standard model for events (more than just showing students the PAEA powerpoint)
- Clarity of Expression – Project clearly describes the profession and translates the information to the specific audience
- Creativity – Team uses multiple mediums and innovative means of delivering the message; project has entertainment quality
- Impact/Sustainability – Team forges a connection between school/program and follow up activities are planned or scheduled
Bonus Points – We will award bonus points based on the grades the team’s visit:
- 3 points – Visits to K-8 grades
- 2 points – Visits to 9-12 grades
- 1 point – Visits to community college and/or undergrad
Participating Programs:
- Augsburg University
- Clarkson University
- Colorado Mesa University
- Gardner-Webb University
- George Washington University
- Howard University
- Keck Graduate Institute
- Lake Erie College
- Lawrence Technological University
- Lipscomb University
- MCPHS Boston University
- Mercer University
- Michigan State University
- Northwestern University
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Randolph Macon College
- Seton Hall University
- Shenandoah University
- South College – Knoxville
- South University, Richmond
- South University, Tampa
- Springfield College
- Touro University, California
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- University of Colorado
- University of Dayton
- University of Detroit Mercy
- University of Dubuque
- University of Iowa
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- West Virginia University
Winners:
- 1st Place: George Washington University PA Program
- 2nd Place: Lake Erie College
- 3rd Place: Meharry Medical College
Scoring Rubric:
Each team’s event will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Project Plan – Team submits fully developed plan, which includes PA student team members information, local school visit information (location, numbers, plans for evaluations), a timeline for the activity, implementation, and follow-up, and a wire-frame or outline of the actual activity or activities planned
- Engagement – Local students are engaged in activity and learning, not just watching a video or Powerpoint
- Originality – Project/Event innovates on the standard model for events (more than just showing students the PAEA powerpoint)
- Clarity of Expression – Project clearly describes the profession and translates the information to the specific audience
- Creativity – Team uses multiple mediums and innovative means of delivering the message; project has entertainment quality
- Impact/Sustainability – Team forges a connection between school/program and follow up activities are planned or scheduled
Bonus Points – We will award bonus points based on the grades the team’s visit:
- 3 points – Visits to K-8 grades
- 2 points – Visits to 9-12 grades
- 1 point – Visits to community college and/or undergrad
Participating Programs:
- Butler University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Gardner-Webb University
- George Washington University
- Ithaca College
- Johnson & Wales University
- Kean University
- Lake Erie College
- Lipscomb University
- MCPHS University (Boston)
- Meharry Medical College
- Mercer University
- Michigan State University
- Northwestern University
- Ohio Dominican University
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Radford University Carilion
- San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
- Seton Hall University
- Seton Hall University
- Shenandoah University
- South University – Tampa
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of Colorado
- University of Dayton
- University of Dubuque
- University of Iowa
- USC Primary Care
- UW Medex Seattle
- UW Medex Tacoma
- Wayne State University
Winners:
- 1st Place: Wake Forest University PA Program
- 2nd Place: Mary Baldwin University, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
- 3rd Place (TIE): University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA program
- 3rd Place (TIE): University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Scoring Rubric:
Each team’s event will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Project Plan – Team submits fully developed plan, which includes PA student team members information, local school visit information (location, numbers, plans for evaluations), a timeline for the activity, implementation, and follow-up, and a wire-frame or outline of the actual activity or activities planned
- Engagement – Local students are engaged in activity and learning, not just watching a video or Powerpoint
- Originality – Project improves upon old Project Access model
- Clarity of Expression – Project clearly describes the profession and translates the information to the audience
- Creativity – Team uses multiple mediums and innovative means of delivering the message; project has entertainment quality
- Impact/Sustainability – Team forges a connection between school/program and follow up activities are planned or scheduled
Participating Programs:
- Butler University
- Campbell University
- DeSales University
- Dominican University of California
- Duke PA Program
- Gardner-Webb University PA Program
- Hardin-Simmons University
- Ithaca College PA Program
- Johnson and Wales University PA Program
- Marshall University
- Mary Baldwin University Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions
- Mercer University
- Northwestern University
- Oregon Health and Science University
- Rosalind Franklin University
- San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
- Springfield College
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences PA Program
- University of Colorado Anschutz CHAPA Program
- University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of South Carolina PA Program
- University of Southern California MPAP
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- University of Washington MEDEX NW, Seattle
- University of Washington MEDEX NW, Tacoma
- Wake Forest University
- Wayne State University
- Wingate University
Winners:
- 1st Place: Ithaca College PA Program
- 2nd Place (TIE): University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA Program
- 2nd Place (TIE): Wingate University PA Program
Participating Programs:
- AdventHealth University:
- Campbell University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Des Moines University:
- DeSales University:
- Duke University PA Program:
- Franklin Pierce University Master of Physician Assistant Program
- Ithaca College PA Program
- MCPHS University Boston
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Northwestern College PA Program:
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of Kentucky
- University of South Alabama Physician Assistant Studies
- University of Washington MEDEX NW, Seattle
- West Chester University
- Wingate University:
- Yale University Physician Assistant Online Program:
Scoring Rubric:
Each team’s event will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Engagement – Local students are engaged in activity and learning, not just watching a video or Powerpoint
- Originality – Project improves upon old PA Student Success model
- Clarity of Expression – Project clearly describes the profession and translates the information to the audience
- Creativity – Team uses multiple mediums and innovative means of delivering the message; project has entertainment quality
- Impact/Sustainability – Team forges a connection between school/program and follow up activities are planned or scheduled
Student-Led Competition Photos
Project photos submitted by programs:
Wingate PA Program
Wingate PA Program
Wingate PA Program
Wingate PA Program
Wingate PA Program
Wingate PA Program
Wingate PA Program
University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA Program
University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA Program
University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA Program
University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA Program
University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA Program
University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA Program
University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA Program
University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA Program
University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA Program
University of Washington – MEDEX NW PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham PA Program
Northwestern College PA Program
Northwestern College PA Program
Northwestern College PA Program
Northwestern College PA Program
Northwestern College PA Program
Ithaca College PA Program
DeSales University PA Program
Des Moines University PA Program
Des Moines University PA Program
Des Moines University PA Program
Des Moines University PA Program
AdventHealth University PA Program
AdventHealth University PA Program
AdventHealth University PA Program
AdventHealth University PA Program
AdventHealth University PA Program
AdventHealth University PA Program
AdventHealth University PA Program
Showcase the PA Profession
Our programs and students know how crucial it is to expose K-12 students to the PA profession as early as possible. They lead the way in modeling how we can provide resources and federally funded programs by partnering with local PAs or PA students and hosting PA Student Success events in their local communities throughout the year.
Host An Event
All groups are welcome and encouraged to utilize our toolkit, post-event surveys, sample presentation, and downloadable resources.
PA Student Success Event Photo Submission
Please use this link to submit information about your PA Student Success Event and Photos.
In-Person Event Photos
Photos from PA Student Success events taking place all over the country, year-round:
Marshall University School of Medicine – Healthcare Pathway Initiative
Marshall University School of Medicine – Healthcare Pathway Initiative
PA Student Success Event, 2012
Marshall University School of Medicine – Healthcare Pathway Initiative
PA Student Success Event, 2012
Marshall University School of Medicine – Healthcare Pathway Initiative
Marshall University School of Medicine – Healthcare Pathway Initiative
PA Student Success Event, 2012
PA Student Success Event, 2012
Marshall University School of Medicine – Healthcare Pathway Initiative
Marshall University School of Medicine – Healthcare Pathway Initiative
Marshall University School of Medicine – Healthcare Pathway Initiative
PA Student Success Event, 2011
PA Student Success (PASS) History
All photos below are provided by the PA History Society’s AAPA Photograph Collection.
In 1987, Brenda Jasper was the driving force behind launching PA Student Success for potential PA students. This process started by visiting K-12 classrooms and educating those students on healthcare and the profession.
| Timeline |
|---|
| 1987: PA Student Success Begins AAPA’s Minority Affairs Committee establishes PA Student Success under the direction of Brenda Jasper and Peggy Valentine.  AAPA4.009: Brenda Jasper was director of the Howard PA program for a number of years, was APAP’s Vice President (one of the first African Americans in APAP leadership) was a driving force behind the creation of PA Student Success and the AAPA African Heritage Caucus, 1987. SIC00364: Peggy Valentine and unidentified PA with PA Student Success speaking to high school students, undated |
| 1988: PA Student Success Events at AAPA/APAP National Conference • May – AAPA/APAP Conference PA Student Success in Los Angeles, CA |
| 1989: PA Student Success Events at AAPA/APAP National Conference • May – AAPA/APAP Conference PA Student Success in Washington, D.C.  AAPA4.044: Robert Howell presents to PA Student Success classroom. Joyce Nichols in far left, 1989. |
| 1990: PA Student Success Events at AAPA/APAP National Conference • May – AAPA/APAP Conference PA Student Success in New Orleans, LA |
| 1991: PA Student Success Events at AAPA/APAP National Conference • May – AAPA/APAP Conference PA Student Success in San Francisco, CA |
| 1997: PA Student Success Events at AAPA National Conference • AAPA Conference PA Student Success in Minneapolis, MN  AAPA6.061: Group shot: PA Student Success participants and educators. Minneapolis Conference, 1997. |
| 2010: PA Student Success is Re-Launched by AAPA’s Committee on Diversity and PAEA’s Committee on Ethnic & Cultural Diversity • May – AAPA Conference PA Student Success in Atlanta, GA. • October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in Baltimore, MA |
| 2011: PA Student Success Events at AAPA & PAEA National Conferences • May – AAPA Conference PA Student Success in Las Vegas, NV • October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in New Orleans, LA |
| 2012: PA Student Success Events at AAPA & PAEA National Conferences • May – AAPA Conference PA Student Success in Toronto, Ontario, Canada • October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in Seattle, WA |
| 2013: PA Student Success Events at AAPA & PAEA National Conferences • May – AAPA Conference PA Student Success in Washington, DC • October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in Memphis, TN |
| 2014: PA Student Success Events at AAPA & PAEA National Conferences • May – AAPA Conference PA Student Success in Boston, MA • October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in Philadelphia, PA |
2015: PA Student Success Events at AAPA & PAEA National Conferences• May – AAPA Conference PA Student Success in San Francisco, CA• October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in Washington, DC |
2016: PA Student Success Events at AAPA & PAEA National Conferences• May – AAPA Conference PA Student Success in San Antonio, TX• October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in |
2017: PA Student Success Events at AAPA & PAEA National Conferences• May – AAPA Conference PA Student Success in Las Vegas, NV• October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in Denver, CO |
| 2018: PA Student Success Events at PAEA National Conference • October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in Anaheim, CA |
2019: PA Student Success Events at AAPA & PAEA National Conferences• May – AAPA Conference PA Student Success in Denver, CO• October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in Washington, DC |
| 2020: PA Student Success Local Event Push PAEA spent 2020 promoting the PA Student Success Toolkit and highlighting the importance of PA programs doing local PA Student Success events |
| 2021: Inaugural PAEA PA Student Success Student-Led Competition PA students from all over the country created innovative presentations and hosted PA Student Success events in their local communities during PA Week. |
| 2022: PA Student Success Events & Student-Led Competition • May – AAPA launched PA Student Success Re-Ignite at national conference • October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in San Diego, CA • PAEA established the inaugural Brenda Jasper PA Student Success Award to recognize the winners of the annual Student-Led Competition. |
| 2023: PA Student Success Events & Student-Led Competition • October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in San Diego, CA • PAEA awarded the Brenda Jasper PA Student Success Award to the George Washington University Student Team for the annual Student-Led Competition. |
| 2024: PA Student Success Events & Student-Led Competition • October – PAEA Education Forum PA Student Success in Washington, DC • PAEA awarded the Brenda Jasper PA Student Success Award to the Lake Erie College Student Team for the annual Student-Led Competition. |