Teen Community Advisory Board
Introducing KU Medical Center’s Teen Community Advisory Board, consisting of high school students from across the state of Kansas.
TCAB will inform and strengthen KU Medical Center's programs and learning experiences for youth interested in health-related professions, training, and research. In addition, this select group of 12 high school juniors or seniors from across the state of Kansas will help shape the purpose and function of TCAB for years to come.
Through collaborative leadership, TCAB will provide valuable, first-hand perspective to inform programming and help address issues that affect future health science learners and leaders.
In short, a youth or teen advisory council is a group of young people who provide insight, feedback, and support to organizations on topics and initiatives relevant to youth. TCAB members will specifically advise on KU Medical Center’s programs for youth and aspiring healthcare professionals. CABs comprised of adult community members and/or patients are common at KUMC and other universities, and TCAB will be one of the very first teen CABs in the region!
- Juniors or seniors in high school during the 2026-2027 academic year
- Students who can commit to one 90-minute meeting per month during the academic year (September—May)
- Students interested in health care, health access, and/or research
- Students wanting to learn more about career paths in medicine, nursing, other health professions or research
- Students who enjoy collaboration, teamwork and working toward a common goal
- Applications are open March 1 through April 10, 2026. Please check back for a live link.
- If you are invited to interview, you will receive an email during the week of April 27, 2026.
- Zoom interviews will take place May 11 – May 29.
- You will be notified of acceptance via email the week of June 15th.
- If selected, you will actively participate in monthly virtual meetings, held via Zoom, with 11 other Kansas high school students during the 2026-27 school year.
- During meetings, you will work with students, faculty and staff, including representatives from the University of Kansas schools of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professions.
- After learning about KU Medical Center’s programs for youth and future health care professionals, you will offer input and feedback. You may also be asked to advise on grants, surveys, events, and other initiatives.
- Connect with a diverse group of teens from across the state of Kansas who share an interest in health care, research or health science education
- Gain leadership experience
- Develop career and professional skills
- Earn service-learning hours
- Provide perspective while learning more about research, academics and the student experience at KU Medical Center
More questions?
Contact Mary Susan Kircher, program director of community relations and strategic partnerships, at mkircher2@kumc.edu.
For Faculty and Staff seeking additional information visit our intranet site (requires KUMC credentials).