Are you enthusiastic about public health and eager to improve the lives of underprivileged communities? Do you aspire to pursue a graduate degree in public health but are concerned about the financial costs associated with it? If you answered yes to these questions, you may be interested in the APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship.
This scholarship program, established by the American Public Health Association (APHA) in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente, provides financial assistance to outstanding students pursuing public health degrees. It aims to cultivate a diverse and well-equipped public health workforce committed to addressing the health disparities faced by underserved populations.
In this article, you will learn more about the scholarship program, its types, eligibility criteria, and application process. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of whether this scholarship is right for you and how to apply for it.
So, let’s get started!
What is the APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship?
The APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship is a program that supports public health students who are committed to serving underserved communities and achieving health equity. The program was launched in 2020 by the American Public Health Association (APHA), the largest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world, and Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers and not-for-profit health plans.
The program’s goal is to cultivate a diverse and well-equipped public health workforce that can address the complex and interrelated factors that affect the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. The program also provides mentorship, networking, and leadership development opportunities to the scholars, as well as access to APHA’s resources and events.
The scholarship program is one of the most generous and competitive in the field of public health. It covers up to 100% of the tuition and fees for the scholars, depending on the type and duration of their degree program. The program also offers a stipend for living expenses and travel costs for attending APHA’s annual meeting and other conferences. The scholars are expected to maintain high academic performance, participate in program activities, and complete a community-based project or internship related to their area of interest.
Types of APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarships
The program offers two scholarship options for public health students: the MPH Scholarship and the DrPH/PhD Scholarship. Each option has different features and requirements, as described below:
MPH Scholarship
This award provides $15,000 per year for two years of full-time study in a Master of Public Health (MPH) program. The MPH Scholarship is designed for students who want to pursue a career in public health practice, such as working in health departments, non-governmental organizations, or community-based organizations. The MPH Scholarship requires the scholars to complete a community-based project or internship related to their area of interest during their second year of study.
DrPH/PhD Scholarship
This scholarship offers $20,000 per year for three years of full-time study in a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. The DrPH/PhD Scholarship is intended for students who want to pursue a career in public health research, teaching, or leadership, such as working in academic institutions, research centers, or policy-making bodies. The DrPH/PhD Scholarship allows the scholars to receive the award as a stipend or a combination of stipend and tuition during their third year of study. The DrPH/PhD Scholarship requires the scholars to complete a dissertation or a capstone project related to their area of interest during their final year of study.
Both scholarship options cover the cost of tuition and fees for the scholars, up to 100%, depending on the type and duration of their degree program. Both options also provide a stipend for living expenses and travel costs for attending APHA’s annual meeting and other conferences. Both options also offer mentorship, networking, and leadership development opportunities to the scholars, as well as access to APHA’s resources and events.
Eligibility Criteria for APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship
To be eligible for the scholarship program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or hold permanent resident status.
- Be applying for a full-time MPH or DrPH/PhD in public health at one of the program’s nine partner universities.
- Demonstrate a commitment to serving underserved communities and achieving health equity.
In addition to the above criteria, the scholarship program is also open to students from any background, discipline, or field of study, as long as they have a strong interest in and passion for public health. The program encourages applications from students who belong to historically underrepresented groups in public health, such as racial and ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, first-generation college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.
It is important to know that the scholarship program is highly competitive and selective. The program receives hundreds of applications each year, but only awards about 20 scholarships per cohort. Therefore, you must showcase your academic merit, financial need, commitment to the public health service, and dedication to achieving health equity in your application.
How to Apply for APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship
Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are now open! Visit the APHA website for detailed application instructions and deadlines.
The application process consists of the following steps:
Step 1: Complete the online application form, which includes personal information, academic history, financial need, and career goals.
Step 2: Submit a personal statement, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. The personal statement should describe your interest in public health, your commitment to serving underserved communities and achieving health equity, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. The resume should highlight your academic achievements, work experience, volunteer activities, and leadership skills. The letters of recommendation should come from individuals who can attest to your academic potential, public health passion, and community service.
Step 3: If you are selected as a finalist, you will be invited for a phone or video interview with the selection committee. The interview will assess your fit for the scholarship program, your motivation for pursuing a public health degree, and your potential for becoming a public health leader.
Final Thought
The APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship is a unique and prestigious program that supports public health students who are committed to serving underserved communities and achieving health equity. The program provides financial assistance, mentorship, networking, and leadership development opportunities to the scholars, as well as access to APHA’s resources and events.
The program offers two scholarship options for public health students: the MPH Scholarship and the DrPH/PhD Scholarship. Each option has different features and requirements, depending on the type and duration of the degree program. The program is open to students from any background, discipline, or field of study, as long as they have a strong interest in and passion for public health.
The program is highly competitive and selective. The program receives hundreds of applications each year, but only awards about 20 scholarships per cohort. Therefore, it is important to showcase your academic merit, financial need, commitment to the public health service, and dedication to achieving health equity in your application.
If you are interested in applying for the scholarship program, you can visit the APHA website for detailed application instructions and deadlines. You can also contact the program coordinator with any questions or concerns.
