In 1928, Mary Breckinridge, founder of Frontier Nursing University established the Courier Program, recruiting young people to come work in the Kentucky Mountains and learn about service to humanity. Couriers escorted guests safely through remote terrain, delivered medical supplies to remote outpost clinics, and helped nurse-midwives during home visits and births. Frontier has benefited tremendously from the 1,500 Couriers who have served since 1928.

What is the Courier Program?

A service learning internship focused on serving rural and underserved communities and distinguished by its legacy and the adventuresome nature of our site placements. Sites include rural health clinics and birth centers in Appalachia - as well as outpost locations across the country. Eight week internships last from June to August each year.

• Learn More / Apply
  Learn more or apply to become a 2013 Courier here.
• Host
  Is your clinic or birth center interested in hosting a Courier Intern? Click here to learn more about the benefits and the process.
• Connect: For Former Couriers
  Are you a former Courier? Click here to learn how you can stay connected to the program and to find a complete compendium of Couriers.
• Media and News
  Connect to Couriers in the news and other media, both historical and modern.
• Stories
  Read stories about former Couriers' adventures here.