Underrepresented Populations

The American Heart Association is committed to supporting underrepresented populations in their career journey. This page provides an overview of the criteria used to identify these groups and highlights the AHA's dedication to addressing their unique challenges.

To qualify as a member of an underrepresented population, a person must fulfill any one or more of the following criteria:

• Individuals who have faced challenges or obstacles to their career due to their membership in one or more racial and ethnic groups.
• Individuals who have faced challenges or obstacles to their career due to their identification as LGBTQ+.
• Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
• Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as those who meet two or more of the following criteria:
  • Were or currently are homeless.
  • Were or currently are in the foster care system.
  • Were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years.
  • Have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree (PDF).
  • Were or currently are eligible for Federal Pell grants.