Website: http://www.kff.org/minorityhealth/bjscholars/index.cfm
For More Information Contact: National Scholarships Office – scholarships@umd.edu
Who Can Apply: US Citizens – Seniors, Recent Grads (within the past two years) – GPA of 3.0 or higher strongly recommended – All Majors
IMPORTANT: See program preferences below.
Description: The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program brings talented college seniors and recent graduates to Washington, D.C., where they are placed in congressional offices and learn about health policy issues, with a focus on issues affecting racial and ethnic minority and underserved communities. Through the nine-week program (May 19-July 26, 2008), Scholars gain knowledge about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills. In addition to gaining experience in a congressional office, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits to augment their knowledge of health care issues, and write and present a health policy research memo that addresses a problem of concern to disadvantaged populations.
As a member of the United States Congress and the Texas State Legislature, Barbara Jordan's distinguished career was exemplified by her tireless advocacy of behalf of vulnerable populations. She brought this passion to her work, inspiring others to become involved in addressing challenging health policy issues
Program Preferences: Successful applicants will show evidence of academic achievement and will demonstrate the following:
• Be a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial or ethnic disparities in health; and/or
• Have experience working in or with programs that address health issues disproportionately affecting racial and ethnic minorities or underserved communities (e.g. local health departments, community health centers, inner city/rural hospitals or organizations that conduct research on or develop policy related to health or healthcare disparities) or have done previous academic work (e.g. taken courses, written papers or participate in research projects) related to health disparities.
Award Amount: Scholars receive approximately $7,500 in support, which includes: A stipend of $2,000 upon completion of the program; A daily expense allowance for meals and local transportation; Transportation/airfare to and from Washington, D.C.; and lodging at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Duration: Ten weeks: May - July.
National Deadlines: Applications for the 2011 program will be available at the end of September and will be due in December.