GAPA Students

GAPA Students Page

See what’s been happening in the GAPA Students community, check out past events, and learn about the benefits of becoming a member!

GAPA Conference 2026

Challenge Bowl
A massive congratulations to South College for taking home the gold and winning the GAPA Student Challenge Bowl at the 2026 GAPA CME/CE Conference!
The competition was fierce, the energy in the room was electric, and these students absolutely brought their A-game. We are so incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and clinical knowledge displayed by the South College team! We also want to give a huge round of applause to all the incredible schools that came out, brought the energy, and competed at the highest level: Emory University, South University, Mercer University, Brenau University. The future of medicine in Georgia is looking brighter than ever because of you all. Swipe through to see the highlights and the winning moments.

Volleyball Tournament

GAPA Student Affairs Committee Scholarship

GAPA’s Student Affairs Committee will award two $1,500 scholarships annually.  

 Qualifications:
  1. Currently an ACTIVE member of Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA)
  2. 2. PA student of an ARC-PA Accredited Program in Georgia 
  3. Successfully completed one semester of didactic PA school prior to the application deadline
  4. GPA of at least 3.2 
  5. Must be able to submit PA program transcripts   
 
Scholarship entries are accepted between April 15th to June 15th. 
 
 Awards will be announced before the challenge bowl at the Annual GAPA Conference.
 

GAPA Diversity Committee Student Scholarship

GAPA’s Diversity Committee will award one $1,500 scholarships annually.  

The Diversity Committee is excited to announce its new Diversity Committee Scholarship Award. This scholarship will be given to the PA student who has demonstrated a commitment to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the profession. Click the link to learn more about the submission criteria.

Application Deadline: April 15 – June 15
 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicant must be a PA student currently enrolled in a PA Program in the state of Georgia
  • Must have successfully completed one term (semester or quarter) of PA studies
  • Must be in good academic standing in the PA Program
  • Must be a member of GAPA
  • Applicant must submit a letter of reference from a faculty advisor or program director
  • Submit a 3-5 minute video detailing how the applicant has participated in efforts to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The video should include ideas for how they plan to continue their efforts as a certified PA.
Video Criteria:
  • Must be 3-5 minutes in length.
  • Must be creative and engaging.
  • Must show how the applicant has been involved in efforts to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
  • Should include ideas for how the applicant plans to continue their efforts as a certified PA.
Reference Letter + Submission Instructions:
  • Include Name of Applicant 
  • Include Reference Name/Title
  • Include contact email address of faculty advisor/program director providing the reference
  • Letter should attest that the applicant is in good academic standing
  • Describe the attributes, qualities, and service efforts of the applicant that make you believe they are deserving of the Diversity Committee Scholarship Award.
  • Reference letter should not come from the applicant. The letter should be emailed directly to: admin@gapa.net by June 15th. 

Click Here to Apply.

Butch Dent Scholarship

There will be 1 scholarship awarded in the amount of $1000. Application Deadline: April 15 – June 15

Click Here to Apply.

The GAPA Engage Program

Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. A mentor is someone who provides guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced individual.

Benefits of Mentorship Include:

  • Personal growth: A mentor can help identify strengths and weaknesses and provide guidance on how to develop your skills.
  • Career development: A mentor can provide advice on career choices, job opportunities, and how to navigate the professional world.
  • Networking: Mentors can help introduce you to potential employers and colleagues.
  • Emotional support: Mentors can provide a listening ear and offer emotional support during difficult times.

Mentorship is key to successfully reaching your goals. That’s why it’s important to utilize all available resources to help maximize your progress. The Georgia Academy of PAs offers Pre-PA students the opportunity to join the Engage Program to find the mentorship support you need as you navigate your PA journey! The Engage program provides:

  • Opportunity to connect with experienced PAs for shadowing

  • Invites to GAPA socials – networking events with PAs and PA students

  • Access to virtual Group Mentoring sessions with experienced PAs

  • Opportunity to shadow a PA student for a day (GAPA Student Reps)

  • Free admission to our annual Pre-PA event with Georgia PA programs

  • Leadership & Service – Join GAPA’s Diversity committee to get involved with local events and activities

We invite Pre-PA students to join the Engage Program today by becoming a member of GAPA!

Networking Opportunities!

GAPA is one of the largest PA organizations in the country! Joining GAPA as a student gives you the opportunity to network with other PAs as a student.

Student Membership!

Joining GAPA as a student is just a click away! Student members are persons enrolled in Board-approved programs training PAs.

Fun!

GAPA host several social events for students where you get to have fun with other PA students!