Are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree in public health and making a difference in your community? Do you belong to an underrepresented group in the public health field and face financial barriers to higher education? If you answered yes to both questions, then you might be eligible for the Alpha Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship.
This scholarship is a part of the APHA-Kaiser Permanente Community Health Leadership Program, which aims to create a pipeline for diverse leadership in public health by supporting the education of students who are committed to pursuing health equity. The scholarship is funded by a grant from the Kaiser Permanente National Community Benefit Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation.
In this blog post, we will provide you with more information about the scholarship, including the eligibility criteria, the application process, the benefits, and the partner universities. We will also share some tips and resources to help you prepare a strong application and increase your chances of winning this prestigious award.
What is the Alpha Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship?
The Alpha Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship is a tuition award for students who intend on pursuing a full-time MPH or DrPH/PhD in public health at one of the nine partner universities of the APHA-Kaiser Permanente Community Health Leadership Program. The partner universities are:
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
- Georgia State University
- Morgan State University
- Morehouse College
- Portland State University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Colorado, Anschutz
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- The University of Washington
The scholarship amount varies depending on the degree level and the partner university. For MPH students, the scholarship is $15,000 per year for two years of full-time study. For DrPH/PhD students, the scholarship is $20,000 per year for three years. In the third and final year, the award can be given as a stipend or as a combination of stipend and tuition.
The scholarship can be used to cover core and elective courses for full-time graduate study. It cannot be used to fund study abroad or any courses outside of the required coursework or the award period. The scholarship is stackable, meaning that it can be combined with other awards, as long as the total amount does not exceed the cost of tuition. The scholarship funds will be paid directly to the partner university upon confirmation of the student’s commitment to attend.
The scholarship also provides other benefits, such as mentoring, networking, and professional development opportunities. The scholarship recipients will join a cohort of fellow scholars and alumni who share a common vision of advancing health equity and social justice. They will also have access to the resources and support of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and Kaiser Permanente, two leading organizations in the public health field.
Who is eligible for the Alpha Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship?
To be eligible for the Alpha Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be applying for a full-time MPH or a DrPH/PhD in public health at one of the partner universities for the academic year. You do not need to be admitted by the scholarship deadline, but you must submit proof of admission before receiving the award.
- You must belong to an underrepresented group in the public health field, such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, first-generation college students, low-income individuals, etc.
- You must demonstrate a commitment to pursuing health equity and addressing the social determinants of health in your community.
- You must have a strong academic record and potential for leadership in public health.
- You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or its territories.
How do I apply for the Alpha Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship?
To apply for the Alpha Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship, you must complete and submit the online application form by January 4th. The application form consists of the following sections:
- Personal information: You will need to provide your name, contact information, citizenship status, demographic information, and partner university preferences.
- Academic information: You will need to provide your undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores (if applicable), and proof of admission (if available).
- Personal statement: You will need to write a personal statement of no more than 500 words, describing your background, interests, goals, and motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in public health and applying for the scholarship.
- Resume: You will need to upload your resume, highlighting your education, work experience, volunteer activities, awards, honors, publications, and other relevant achievements.
- Letters of recommendation: You will need to provide two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional abilities, as well as your commitment to health equity. One letter should be from a faculty member or academic advisor, and the other should be from a supervisor or mentor in a public health-related setting. The letters should be sent directly by the recommenders to the email address provided in the application form.
- Scholarship agreement: You will need to read and agree to the terms and conditions of the scholarship, which include maintaining satisfactory academic progress, participating in cohort activities, and reporting on your achievements and outcomes.
The application form will take about 30 minutes to complete. You can save your progress and return to it later. You will receive a confirmation email once you submit your application.
What are the selection criteria and process for the Alpha Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship?
The selection criteria for the Alpha Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship are based on the following factors:
- Academic excellence and the potential for success in graduate studies
- Demonstrated commitment to health equity and social justice
- Leadership skills and experience in public health-related settings
- Alignment with the mission and vision of APHA and Kaiser Permanente
- Diversity and representation of underrepresented groups in the public health field
The selection process for the scholarship consists of the following steps:
- Initial screening: The applications will be reviewed by a team of APHA staff and volunteers to ensure that they meet the eligibility and completeness requirements.
- First round: The eligible applications will be evaluated by a panel of experts from APHA, Kaiser Permanente, and the partner universities using a standardized scoring rubric. The panel will select a shortlist of finalists for each partner university based on the selection criteria.
- Second round: The finalists will be invited to participate in a virtual interview with the panel, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their personality, passion, and potential. The panel will rank the finalists for each partner university based on the interview performance and the overall application quality.
- Final decision: The partner universities will make the final decision based on the panel’s recommendations and the availability of slots. The scholarship recipients will be notified by email and phone by March 15. They will have until April 15 to accept or decline the offer.
What are some tips and resources to help you prepare a strong application for the Alpha Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship?
Here are some tips and resources to help you prepare a strong application for the scholarship:
- Start early: The application deadline is January 4, but you should start working on your application as soon as possible. This will give you more time to research, write, edit, and proofread your application materials. It will also allow you to request and receive your letters of recommendation in advance.
- Follow the instructions: The application form is straightforward and easy to complete, but you should follow the instructions carefully and provide all the required information. Make sure to answer all the questions, upload all the documents, and agree to the scholarship agreement. Check your spelling, grammar, and formatting before submitting your application.
- Be authentic: The personal statement is your chance to tell your story and show your personality. Be honest, sincere, and passionate about your goals and motivations. Explain why you are interested in public health and how you plan to use your education to address health inequities in your community. Highlight your achievements and challenges, but also your potential and aspirations. Avoid clichés, jargon, and vague statements. Use specific examples and evidence to support your claims.
- Be professional: The resume is your opportunity to showcase your skills and experience in public health-related settings. Use a clear, concise, and consistent format to present your education, work, volunteering, and other relevant activities. Emphasize your accomplishments and impact rather than your duties and responsibilities. Use action verbs and quantifiable metrics to describe your achievements. Tailor your resume to the scholarship and the partner university you are applying to, highlighting the most relevant and recent information.
- Be prepared: The interview is your chance to demonstrate your communication and leadership skills, as well as your fit for the scholarship and the partner university. Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application materials, researching the scholarship program and the partner university, and practicing common interview questions. Dress appropriately, be punctual, and be polite. Express your enthusiasm and confidence, but also your humility and gratitude. Ask thoughtful questions, and thank the interviewers for their time and consideration.
Some resources to help you with your application include the official website of the scholarship program, where you can find more information about the program overview, the partner universities, the application process, the FAQs, and the contact details.
Final Words
The Alpha Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship is a great opportunity for aspiring public health leaders who want to make a positive difference in their communities. By applying for this scholarship, you can access a high-quality education, a supportive network, and a diverse cohort of peers who share your passion and vision. You can also contribute to the advancement of health equity and social justice in the public health field. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in this scholarship, do not hesitate to apply before the deadline. And if you know someone who might benefit from this scholarship, please share this blog post with them and encourage them to apply.