The Center for Excellence in Rural Education (CERE) in Payson, Arizona is one of six Arizona Area Health Education Regional Centers (AHEC). CERE, a federally grant funded program, operates as a nonprofit sister organization to MHA Foundation which works in conjunction with the University of Arizona Health Sciences Program and the Federal Area Health Education Center Program (AHEC). Collectively, these organizations create unparalleled synergy to enhance access to quality health care, particularly primary and preventive care, and improve the supply, distribution, retention, and quality of healthcare professionals in medically underserved rural areas. CERE is paving the way for the future of healthcare in Arizona's rural communities including Gila, Graham, and Greenlee counties.Our Mission: Integrated, community-based training and experiential education to develop a skilled workforce adept at meeting the unique needs of rural communities.Our Vision: Providing life opportunities in rural Arizona by creating community and bridging the divide between professional and technical education students.Our Core Values:ExcellenceIntegrityCommunityDiversityCollaboration