Gateways is a national PA student leadership program that enables students to succeed in future leadership roles as volunteers within AAPA and as health care providers in their own communities. The program provides skill development and information to help students enhance their leadership abilities, along with opportunities to practice leadership through a special project. Gateways is comprised of a day of workshops that are designed to help PA students' presentation, time management, and negotiation skills. The program was created by the PA Foundation and SAAAPA, with the support of Bristol-Myers Squibb, in the mid-1990s.

• Click here to download Gateways brochure in pdf format.

Applicants must demonstrate interest and leadership ability and must have the recommendation of their PA program director. Participants will be selected based on past and present leadership positions as well as potential leadership involvement. Each application includes two short essay questions. It is imperative that, if selected, you attend this session. If you do not participate, you are preventing others from attending.

Funding for travel is not available for this program, therefore, expenses are the responsibility of the applicant. Due date for this application is January 31, 2008.

• Click here for the application.

Quotes from Gateways Participants "The feedback provided by my peers was priceless."                      "I will use and share the things I've learned."                                              "I look forward to encouraging others to apply next year." "All PA students should have a required leadership seminar!"    "The PA Foundation is such a resource for students."                                                                                                                     PA students participated in the PA Foundation's Gateways Student Leadership Development Program, supported by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, at the AAPA's 33rd Annual PA Conference in Orlando. Students, from across the country, came together to acquire leadership skills and hear from leaders of the PA profession. This year the presentations were provided by the Faculty Development Institute of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). This partnership between the Foundation and PAEA resulted in a program that was very well received by the students. The sessions involved presentation skills, meeting management, developing leadership skills, marketing, and case studies in leadership. A community service project is a major part of the program. Students will be working on various activities to benefit their communities over the next year and will return in 2006 to present what they have done.