D'YOUVILLE UNIVERSITY 17 WINTER 2026 CAMPUS NEWS SUPPORTING STUDENTS What distinguishes D’Youville’s HCOP is its comprehensive, pipeline- based approach. The program begins early — sometimes as early as high school — and provides consistent support through every phase of a student’s educational journey. At the graduate level, the HCOP Ambassador Program supports students already enrolled in health professions programs such as pharmacy, chiropractic and other eligible disciplines. Ambassadors receive tuition assistance, stipends, success coaching, tutoring, enrichment programming and hands- on experiential learning in medically underserved settings. For undergraduates aspiring to enter health professions programs, the Pre-Matriculation Program offers academic preparation, mentoring, job shadowing, application and exam support, and financial assistance designed to remove common barriers to entry. Together, these programs are supported by a robust network of academic and social resources, including faculty mentors, professional tutors, near-peer mentors, research librarian support and counseling services through D’Youville’s Wellness Lodge. Since the program’s launch, HCOP has enrolled 96 Ambassador and Pre- Matriculation students, awarded more than $363,000 in tuition assistance, distributed $647,000 in stipends and provided over 500 hours of direct support services. “We are intentionally addressing both academic and non-academic needs,” Whelan says. “Success coaching, tutoring, and near-peer mentoring are just as important as financial support. Students need to feel seen, supported, and confident that they belong in these professions.” D’Youville students in the Health Careers Opportunity Program took part in team- building exercises during an event held last fall. The program looks to impact roughly 300 students total during its five-year run, ending in 2030. COMMUNITY IMPACT Experiential learning is at the heart of HCOP. To date, students have completed nearly 2,000 hours of community- based experiential training in medically underserved communities, gaining firsthand exposure to interprofessional healthcare delivery. Through partnerships with Federally Qualified Health Centers and community- based social service and healthcare organizations, students learn not only clinical skills, but also cultural humility, trauma-informed care, healthcare literacy, teamwork and patient safety. Enrichment programming — more than 40 sessions offered so far — has included training in interprofessional collaboration, preventing burnout, résumé development and the “Teach Back” method for effective patient communication. Students have also participated in nationally recognized trainings such as SafeTALK suicide prevention, TEAMSTEPPS for patient safety and healthcare literacy workshops in collaboration with the Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center. “These experiences prepare students for the realities of modern healthcare,” Whelan says. “They are learning how to work in teams, communicate across differences, and serve patients with dignity and respect.” One of HCOP’s most distinctive elements is its High School Summer Program, which targets rural high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring health professions. Conducted as a paid, six- week summer experience in partnership with Western New York Rural AHEC — with an additional immersive week on
