The NARHC Research and Education Foundation Announces Spring 2026 Quest for Rural Experience Scholars
About NARHC REF:
The National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) established the NARHC Research and Education Foundation (NARHC REF) in 2021 to fund and publicize Rural Health Clinic specific research while awarding scholarships to promote medical, Physician Assistant/Associate, and Nurse Practitioner students pursuing clinical rotations in federally certified Rural Health Clinics.
NARHC REF Spring 2026 Scholarship Recipients:
The National Association of Rural Health Clinics Research and Education Foundation is proud to announce its spring 2026 recipients of the Quest for Rural Experience scholarship program. We are grateful for these students’ commitment to rural health!
Clare Two Lance, RN | Vanderbilt University 
Clare will be completing her spring NP rotation at Boulder City Primary Care in Nevada. Clare shared her strong admiration for rural clinicians, who can “work independently, think critically, and manage a wide scope of care when resources are limited.” Her nursing career began in rural health, and she is committed to continuing this important work, ensuring patients have access before they reach crisis.
Jaydin Decker | University of North Dakota
Jaydin Decker will be completing her spring PA rotation at Altru Clinic Erskine in Minnesota. Desiring a future career in a rural community since an impactful shadowing experience years ago, Jaydin shared, “I hope to advance rural health in the future by not only promoting change in accessibility but also advocating for the profession, along with patient and provider needs.”
NARHC REF and United Health Foundation 2026 Scholars:
The NARHC Research and Education Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the United Health Foundation, established by UnitedHealth Group in 1999 as a nonprofit, private foundation, to offer two additional Quest for Rural Experience scholarships this spring. Through the Health Care Scholars United program, the United Health Foundation is providing scholarships and support to current and future health care professionals. We are pleased to announce that this semester’s scholars are:
Erika Tovar Martinez, RN | University of Florida 
Erika Tovar Martinez will be completing her spring NP rotation at UF Health Archer Family Health Care in Archer, Florida. To her, access to quality health care includes “the removal of the invisible barriers that often prevent a patient from healing, ensuring that no patient is forced to choose between their health and basic necessities.” She sees RHCs as those on the front lines of the fight against health disparities, and is excited to learn and grow in her rotation this semester.
Cara Heuer | University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine 
Cara Heuer will be completing her spring PA rotation at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa. Cara shared the value of this scholarship saying it, “represents more than financial support, it represents an investment in students who are committed to rural health. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be considered and excited to carry forward the mission of improving access to care for rural Iowans.”
How to Support NARHC REF:
NARHC REF will continue to fund scholarship recipients in fall 2026 and beyond. To apply or to donate to this mission visit https://www.narhc.org/narhc/Research__Education_Foundation.asp.
Our ability to increase the size of the scholarship program, thus increasing our opportunities to support the future rural health workforce are dependent on your support!
Your donation to NARHC REF is important to advancing the mission of improving access to quality healthcare in rural communities through research and education. As NARHC REF continues to provide financial support to medical, PA, Nurse Practitioner, and other health professional students pursing clinical rotations in federally certified Rural Health Clinics, your donation will make a difference.
With any questions or to learn more about REF, please email NARHC REF Executive Director, Sarah Hohman at Sarah.Hohman@narhc.org.
