The NHIT INSPIRED AI Academy is a unique, interdisciplinary program designed for dual-enrolled high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals eager to explore the role of artificial intelligence in transforming healthcare and advancing health equity. Participants gain hands-on experience through real-world projects, mentorship, and professional development, along with exclusive access to leading industry events such as the HIMSS Global Health Conference. The Academy empowers them to build data-driven solutions to critical public health challenges such as  food insecurity and chronic disease, while fostering collaboration across academic and professional levels.

This past semester, six graduate students – Adenike, Priyanka, Sai Vineela, Bessy, Sneha, and Gayathri – completed the inaugural NHIT INSPIRED Internship, a collaborative initiative between the National Health IT Collaborative for the Underserved (NHIT) and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). The program was designed to provide students with meaningful exposure to real-world challenges in health IT, combining applied project work with professional mentorship and industry engagement.

The internship began with a unique opportunity: scholarships generously provided by the HIMSS Foundation supported all six students in attending the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas. At the event, they were formally introduced as the NHIT INSPIRED inaugural class by Tom Leary, Senior Vice President and Head of Government Relations at HIMSS—an acknowledgment of their potential and commitment to the future of healthcare innovation.

The core of the internship involved a team-based project focused on addressing food insecurity and diabetes in underserved communities. In developing a data-informed and community-responsive solution, students strengthened their analytical, communication, and project management skills. Throughout the semester, they also navigated common professional hurdles, such as imposter syndrome and public speaking anxiety, and emerged with greater confidence and readiness for leadership roles in the field.

In addition to project work, the cohort engaged in a series of small-group discussions with leaders in health policy, philanthropy, and digital innovation. These conversations provided practical insight into career development, industry dynamics, and leadership pathways, while fostering long-term mentor relationships.

The internship has already led to meaningful outcomes. One student received a full-time job offer directly tied to her internship experience, and others continue to benefit from ongoing mentorship and professional opportunities. The NHIT INSPIRED Internship offers a unique model for workforce development—equipping emerging professionals with the skills, exposure, and networks needed to contribute effectively in today’s health IT landscape.

Participants gain hands-on experience through exposure to both industry and government settings, earning an AI certificate that affirms their skills and practical knowledge. Throughout the program, they engage in roundtable discussions with influential leaders in technology, policy, and innovation – equipping them to contribute meaningfully across a range of sectors in an evolving digital landscape.

If you’re ready to turn your curiosity into impact and gain experience that sets you apart, this is the opportunity for you!

Mentors provide invaluable guidance by offering professional insight, industry expertise, and leadership development to participants navigating complex challenges in technology and innovation. By mentoring, you contribute to cultivating a diverse and forward-thinking workforce prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

If you’re ready to invest in tomorrow’s changemakers and leave a lasting impact, apply to become a mentor today.