Program Overview

The Student Externship Matching Grant Awards program provides an important partnering opportunity between the AAFP Foundation and AAFP Chapters and Chapter Foundations. Chapters or Chapter Foundations are encouraged to work with an academic institution or Family Medicine residency program to identify and provide a one-on-one, student-to-mentor experience.

The goal of the Student Externship Matching Grants Program is to stimulate interest among medical students to select a career and/or pursue research opportunities in Family Medicine.

Since its inception, the Student Externship Matching Grants program has partnered with AAFP Chapters and Chapter Foundations in 43 states and the District of Columbia and provided $1,258,750 in matching grants to support 1006 student externships. Each matching grant is $1,250.

Student Externship Matching Grants are available only to AAFP Chapters and AAFP Chapter Foundations.

Eligibility

• Only AAFP Chapters or Chapter Foundations that intend to sponsor a Student Externship and have secured funding for this purpose may apply for a matching grant(s).
• The medical student externship must offer a research and/or clinical experience that is at least 4 weeks in duration.
• The externship must provide the medical student a one-on-one learning experience with mentors/preceptors who practice in the field of Family Medicine.
• When possible, the student should be involved with a Family Medicine Interest Group.

Guidelines

• Identify the initial $1,250 to support 50% of a $2,500 externship grant. The Sponsor’s $1,250 match must be secured prior to application completion.
• Develop a procedure and schedule for setting up the externship and disbursing externship funds.
• Acknowledge AAFP Foundation support in any program materials developed.
• Submit application for matching grants.
• Identify Family Medicine mentors/preceptors and match them with the extern(s).
• Award Notices will be sent in April.
• Complete a Request for Payment form from AAFP Foundation once the mentor and student extern have been matched.
  • Request for Payment forms must be submitted no later than August 1.
  • Payment will be made in September.

How to Apply

We encourage all Chapter/Chapter Foundations to apply who are committed to the development of future Family Medicine physicians and reflect the rich diversity of the specialty and the patients served.

• Please read the Program Guidelines before completing application.
• Application Period: February 1 - April 1
• Apply through the online portal by clicking on the Apply Today button below. 
• The Chapter or Chapter Foundation responsible for administering the student externship is the entity that must complete and submit the application. Applications will not be accepted from medical schools or students.
• The Chapter's or Chapter Foundation’s dollar-for-dollar match with the AAFP Foundation’s matching grant should be secured before submitting the application.

Matching Grant Allocations - Advantage to Applying Early

Each funding cycle the AAFP Foundation awards approximately 24 matching grants. Those who apply earlier have a better chance of receiving more than one matching grant.

The AAFP Foundation allocates Student Externship Matching Grant Awards sequentially, based upon the date and time that each application is received. First, one matching grant will be awarded to all applicants, if possible. Then, if additional funds are available, a second matching grant will be awarded based upon the sequence of submissions and whether more than one matching grant was requested. This process continues until all matching grant funding for the cycle has been awarded.

Notification of Award

Recipients will receive a Notice of Award, via email, in April.

If you're a medical student interested in applying for an externship, please contact your local Chapter. 

Questions?

Contact Veronica Roberts or call (800) 274-2237, ext. 6239.