UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program
The UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to explore the field of public health through hands-on training, structured workshops, group excursions, and leadership and professional development. Located in Los Angeles, the program offers scholars the opportunity to train at UCLA, to explore public health in one of the most diverse counties in the US, and to experience the city’s vibrant culture. We work with community-based organizations, health systems, and government agencies to offer field placement opportunities for scholars that focus on health equity.
Scholars are placed at these partnering organizations throughout Los Angeles where they are exposed to the spectrum of public health practice and provided with professional mentors. To supplement field work, scholars attend workshops, develop leadership and professional skills, and receive mentoring from graduate students and faculty. Scholars become a part of a motivated community invested in creating healthy futures for all.
2018 UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program Details
- Cohort of 35 students participate in an 8-week in-residence summer training program (June 24- August 17, 2018) with follow-up activities into the fall
- Scholars are matched with partnering organizations, where the scholars contribute to public health work 3 days per week
- Scholars attend structured educational programming two days per week designed to build public health skills and learn about professional opportunities
- Scholars receive a $3,000 stipend, housing, some on campus meals, and metro pass
- Scholars attend a paid trip to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia with Public Health Scholars from other programs across the nation
- Scholars may qualify to receive funds for travel to and from the program in Los Angeles
UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program Eligibility Criteria*
- Interest in exploring a career in the field of public health
- By the start of the program,
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- be enrolled in a four-year institution (community college transfers eligible) and have completed at least two years of undergraduate education
OR - graduated Spring term 2017 or later and have not been accepted into a graduate program
- be enrolled in a four-year institution (community college transfers eligible) and have completed at least two years of undergraduate education
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- Ability to be present in LA and participate in program activities from June 24 – August 17, 2018
- Willingness to attend events on evenings and occasional weekends, depending on the needs of the program
- Willingness to participate in remote activities related to the program in late summer
- Successful submission of all application materials
- There is no GPA requirement
* additional criteria outlined in application
UCLA Public Health Scholars Application Process
Step 1: Program Applications.
- Complete the online application, which includes uploading unofficial transcripts and resume or CV
- Provide contact information for two individuals providing recommendations
- Deadline: January 31, 2018
Step 2: Online group interviews.
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Applicants are notified if they have been invited for an online group interview
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Group interviews are scheduled
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Timeframe: February-March 2018
Step 3: Acceptance notifications and program enrollment.
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Selected applicants will be invited to participate in the UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program
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Enrollment process begins
- Timeframe: March-April 2018
Community Partners
We partner with community-based organizations, health systems, and government agencies located throughout Los Angeles to address the need to increase the diversity of the public health workforce, improve the representation of underserved and underrepresented groups in public health, and solidify the public health pipeline, all of which will ultimately raise the quality of public health services.
If your organization is interested in partnering with us to host undergraduate students, please contact us for more information or complete the organization registration form and a member of our team will contact you.
This national program is made possible through the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Minority Health and Health Equity.
