Vision
To empower learners representative of our communities to be impactful health professionals.
Mission
To support leaders from our communities in their journey to become health professionals through skill development, community-based projects, and mentorship.
History
The Institute for Healthier Communities has evolved from the initial work of the POWER Skills Lab. This lab was started during 2020 as a response to the loss of research and mentorship opportunities during the COVID pandemic that disproportionately impacted pre-health students from backgrounds historically excluded from healthcare. The original focus was on creating flexible, accessible, engaging research opportunities through completing systematic search and review projects.. However, over time, mentorship, application coaching, professional development, and leadership skill building all became key features of participation in the lab.
The evolution of the lab highlighted the need for an organization that is committed to providing learners with continued training, development, support, and mentorship throughout their journey to, and through, becoming a health professional. In June 2025, the POWER Skills Lab completed its transition into the Institute for Healthier Communities.