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Summer Public Health Scholars Program

  • Overview of the Summer Public Health Scholars Program
  • Application Process and Eligibility Requirements
  • Program Schedule and Timeline
  • Curriculum and Coursework
  • Internship and Fieldwork Opportunities
  • Leadership and Professional Development
  • Community Engagement and Public Health Initiatives
  • Research and Data Analysis Projects
  • Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
  • Testimonials from Past Participants

Overview of the Summer Public Health Scholars Program

The Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP) is an intensive 10-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with an introduction to public health research and practice. The program is hosted by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and is open to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers in public health. SPHSP provides participants with a hands-on learning experience that includes coursework, fieldwork, internships, and leadership development.

Application Process and Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for SPHSP, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have DACA status and a rising junior or senior undergraduate student at the time of application. Applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and come from an underrepresented background in the field of public health. The application process includes submitting transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Program Schedule and Timeline

The SPHSP program runs from late May to early August and consists of two phases. The first phase includes coursework in public health topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and social determinants of health. The second phase involves fieldwork and internships in public health organizations and agencies. During this phase, participants are expected to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained during the first phase.

Curriculum and Coursework

The SPHSP curriculum is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of public health research and practice. Coursework includes lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities that cover topics such as public health policies, health disparities, community health assessments, and health promotion. Participants also receive training in data analysis, research methods, and scientific writing.

Internship and Fieldwork Opportunities

SPHSP participants have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and fieldwork placements in public health organizations and agencies. Internship sites have included the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local health departments, community-based organizations, and academic research centers. Participants are expected to work on projects that contribute to the organization's mission and goals.

Leadership and Professional Development

The SPHSP program also includes leadership and professional development activities that prepare participants for future careers in public health. Activities include workshops on resume writing, networking, and job interviewing skills. Participants also have the opportunity to engage in mentorship activities with public health professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Community Engagement and Public Health Initiatives

SPHSP emphasizes community engagement and public health initiatives as a core component of the program. Participants are expected to work on community-based projects that address health disparities and promote health equity. Examples of past projects have included conducting community health assessments, developing health education materials, and organizing health promotion events.

Research and Data Analysis Projects

SPHSP participants have the opportunity to engage in research and data analysis projects that contribute to the field of public health. Participants work in teams and are mentored by faculty members and public health professionals. Examples of past research projects have included analyzing health disparities among different racial and ethnic groups, examining the impact of environmental policies on public health outcomes, and evaluating community-based interventions.

Networking and Mentorship Opportunities

SPHSP provides participants with networking and mentorship opportunities that enable them to build relationships with public health professionals and peers. Participants have the opportunity to attend seminars and conferences, participate in career fairs, and engage in one-on-one mentoring sessions with public health professionals.

Testimonials from Past Participants

Here are some testimonials from past SPHSP participants:The SPHSP program was an eye-opening experience that exposed me to the field of public health and allowed me to apply what I had learned in the classroom to real-world settings.I appreciated the mentorship and networking opportunities that SPHSP provided. I was able to connect with public health professionals who gave me valuable advice on how to pursue a career in public health.The community-based projects that we worked on during SPHSP were meaningful and gave me a sense of purpose. I felt like I was making a difference in the lives of people in underserved communities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Public Health Scholars Program

What is the Summer Public Health Scholars Program?

The Summer Public Health Scholars Program is a 10-week program that provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to explore the field of public health and gain hands-on experience through coursework, field trips, and research projects.

Who is eligible for the program?

Undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in a college or university and have completed at least one year of study are eligible to apply for the program. Applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

What is the application process?

The application process involves submitting an online application, transcripts, personal statement, resume, and two letters of recommendation. Selected applicants will then be invited for an interview before final selections are made.

What are the benefits of participating in the program?

Participants in the Summer Public Health Scholars Program will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in public health, work on research projects, network with professionals in the field, and receive a stipend for their participation.