The MAPA Student Relations Committee is on a mission to break down barriers for prospective, first-generation PA students, one cup of coffee at a time. 

On April 10, the Student Relations Committee hosted its first Pre-PA Coffee Hour at Dovetail Cafe in Duluth with 12 undergraduate students from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and the College of St. Scholastica. Six PA Students from the College of St. Scholastica led the event, fielding questions about PA School applications and talking strategy for the Centralized Application Services for Physician Assistants, also known as CASPA. 

“The pre-PA journey can be incredibly challenging and sometimes overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. As a class, we are all passionate about supporting the next cycle of students and helping them navigate the pre-PA life,” explained Matti Griffor, PA-S1. 

MAPA Student members Matti Griffor, Shane Sanza, Alysia Monjeau, Maya Ziemba, Evan Daley, and Carter Carpentier all participated in the event and shared their experiences in both didactic and clinical training. Their advice to students? Find your community and take advantage of opportunities for mentorship. 

According to the AAPA’s 2021 Student Survey, 23% of PA students were the first generation in their family to attend college. This suggests that these students likely do not have built-in connections, such as a parent working in the medical field, to assist them with the PA School application process.

“This event was a space for these students to feel seen and heard throughout this process,” said Griffor.

The Student Relations committee will host at least six more Pre-PA Coffee Hours throughout the year. Three coffee hours will be identity-focused with meet-ups geared towards undergraduate students in the Hmong, Somali and Latinx communities. More information about upcoming coffee hours will be available via the MAPA Student Hub.

If you are a PA student or a PA professional interested in getting involved with The MAPA Student Relations Committee, fill out a Committee Interest form and help us support the next generation of PA Students.