How to Apply for APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship 2024

Are you a public health student who wants to make a difference in the world? Do you belong to an underrepresented group in the field of public health? Do you have a passion for addressing health disparities and improving the health of underserved communities? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in applying for the APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship.

The APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship is a prestigious and generous scholarship program that aims to support public health students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. It is sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA) and Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest health care providers in the United States. The scholarship is designed to help public health students achieve their academic and career goals, as well as foster a more diverse and inclusive public health workforce.

In this blog post, we will explain what the APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship is, what types of scholarships are available, what the eligibility criteria are, how to apply for the scholarship, and some frequently asked questions.

What is the APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship?

The APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship is a scholarship program that supports public health students who are underrepresented in the field, specifically first-generation college graduates, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and individuals from Black, African American, Asian, Hispanic, American Indian, and other Native communities. The scholarship supports students pursuing either a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)/PhD in public health with a focus on addressing health disparities and improving the health of underserved communities.

The scholarship provides financial assistance to cover tuition and fees, as well as mentoring, networking, and leadership development opportunities. The scholarship also connects students with APHA and Kaiser Permanente professionals and experts, who can offer guidance and support throughout their academic journey and beyond.

The scholarship is part of the APHA-KP Leadership Program, which is a joint initiative between APHA and Kaiser Permanente to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in public health. The program aims to create a pipeline of future public health leaders who reflect the diversity of the communities they serve and who are committed to advancing health equity and social justice.

ALSO READ: Top 10 Nursing Scholarships You Should Apply For in 2024

Types of APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship

The APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship offers two types of scholarships, depending on the level of study:

• MPH Scholarship: This scholarship is for students who are enrolled in or accepted in a full-time MPH program at an accredited school or program of public health in the United States. The scholarship provides $15,000 per year for two years of full-time study, for a total of $30,000. The scholarship also covers the cost of attending the APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, where students can present their research, network with peers and professionals, and learn from the latest public health trends and innovations.
• DrPH/PhD Scholarship: This scholarship is for students who are enrolled or accepted in a full-time DrPH or PhD program in public health at an accredited school or program of public health in the United States. The scholarship provides $20,000 per year for three years, with the option to receive the third-year award as a stipend or a combination of stipend and tuition, for a total of $60,000. The scholarship also covers the cost of attending the APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, as well as the APHA Leadership Institute, where students can enhance their leadership skills and competencies.

ALSO READ: Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements and How to Apply

Eligibility Criteria for APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship

To be eligible for the APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• Be a member of an underrepresented group in public health, specifically first-generation college graduates, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and individuals from Black, African American, Asian, Hispanic, American Indian, and other Native communities.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Be enrolled or accepted in a full-time MPH or DrPH/PhD program in public health at an accredited school or program of public health in the United States for the 2024-2025 academic year.
• Have a demonstrated interest and commitment to addressing health disparities and improving the health of underserved communities.
• Have a demonstrated potential for leadership in public health.
• Have a clear and feasible career plan in public health.

ALSO READ How to Apply for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)

How to Apply for APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship

To apply for the APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship, applicants must complete and submit the following materials by March 1st, 2024:

• An online application form, which includes personal information, academic information, and a personal statement.
• A resume or curriculum vitae, which highlights the applicant’s education, work experience, volunteer experience, awards, honors, publications, presentations, and other relevant activities.
• Two letters of recommendation, which attest to the applicant’s academic performance, leadership potential, and commitment to public health,. One letter must be from a faculty member or academic advisor, and one letter must be from a supervisor or mentor in a public health-related setting.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, which show the applicant’s grades and courses completed.
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance in a full-time MPH or DrPH/PhD program in public health at an accredited school or program of public health in the United States for the 2024-2025 academic year.

All application materials must be submitted electronically through the APHA website: https://www.apha.org/Professional-Development/APHA-Internships-and-Fellowships/APHA-KP-Leadership-Program

ALSO READ: How to Apply for the Coca Cola Scholarship and Become a Coca Cola Scholar

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship:

How many scholarships are awarded each year?

The number of scholarships awarded each year varies depending on the availability of funds and the quality of applicants. However, the program typically awards 10 to 15 scholarships per year, with an equal distribution between MPH and DrPH/PhD students.

How are the scholarship recipients selected?

The scholarship recipients are selected by a committee of APHA and Kaiser Permanente representatives, who review and evaluate the applications based on the following criteria: academic excellence, leadership potential, commitment to public health, career goals, and diversity. The committee may also conduct phone or video interviews with the finalists before making the final decision.

When are the scholarship recipients notified?

The scholarship recipients will be notified by email and phone by May 1st, 2024. The recipients are also announced on the APHA website and social media platforms.

What are the expectations and responsibilities of the scholarship recipients?

The scholarship recipients are expected and responsible to:

• Maintain a full-time enrollment status and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in their MPH or DrPH/PhD program in public health.
• Complete and submit an annual progress report and a final report, which document their academic achievements, research projects, professional development activities, and career plans.
• Attend and participate in the APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, where they can present their research, network with peers and professionals, and learn from the latest public health trends and innovations.
• Attend and participate in the APHA Leadership Institute (for DrPH/PhD students only), where they can enhance their leadership skills and competencies.
• Engage and communicate with their assigned APHA and Kaiser Permanente mentors, who can offer guidance and support throughout their academic journey and beyond.
• Acknowledge the APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship in any publications, presentations, or media appearances related to their public health work.
• Serve as ambassadors and role models for the APHA-KP Leadership Program and the public health profession.

ALSO READ: How to Apply for Bright Futures Scholarship 2024

Conclusion

The APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship is a great opportunity for public health students who are underrepresented in the field and who want to make a difference in the world. The scholarship provides financial assistance, mentoring, networking, and leadership development opportunities for students pursuing either an MPH or a DrPH/PhD in public health with a focus on addressing health disparities and improving the health of underserved communities. The scholarship also fosters a more diverse and inclusive public health workforce, which is essential for advancing health equity and social justice.

If you are interested in applying for the APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship, you should start preparing your application materials as soon as possible. The deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is March 1st, 2024. You can find more information and apply online at: https://www.apha.org/Professional-Development/APHA-Internships-and-Fellowships/APHA-KP-Leadership-Program.