The two organizations have launched a fellowship program and scholarship initiative that will provide $6.8 million over three years to support the first two classes of APHA/KP Community Health Leadership Program, including 100 students slated for MPH degrees and 20 students working toward DrPH degrees. It will provide two years of scholarship funding: $15,000 per year for MPH students, and $20,000 per year for DrPH students. The program also supports an annual fellowship cohort of emerging, diverse leaders who have made a commitment to beginning careers focused on addressing upstream determinants of health in low-income communities.
The effort is geared toward first-generation college graduates, people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and people from Black or African American, Asian, Hispanic, American Indian and other Native communities. By focusing primarily on people of color and first-time students from underserved communities, the program aims to create a pipeline for diverse leadership in public health.
Both scholarships and fellowships will be implemented in partnership with eight public health programs across Kaiser Permanente-served communities: Charles Drew University in Los Angeles; Georgia State University in Atlanta; Morgan State University in Baltimore; Portland State University in Portland; the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Colorado in Boulder; the University of Hawaii in Honolulu; and the University of Washington in Seattle.
“The program is really exciting and adds value to the field of public health. It provides a meaningful opportunity for people from communities that have been historically neglected to get experience addressing the many upstream factors that can improve or thwart good health,” said Susan Polan, PhD, APHA associate executive director for public affairs and advocacy. “It creates a pipeline for leadership in public health. APHA is really excited to be a part of this.”
“Kaiser Permanente is committed to investing in America’s public health infrastructure and leadership. Our next generation of public health leaders must reflect and serve our most vulnerable communities to achieve health equity,” said Stephanie Ledesma, interim senior vice president of community health programs. “We are thrilled to welcome the first cohort of Fellows as they continue their leadership journey and work to advance the health of our communities.”
Six fellows have been chosen for the initial cohort receiving this one-year, full-time paid fellowship after undergoing an extensive selection process: Kyla Baron, Alexis Cabarga, Sumaiya Khan, Kekoa Lopez-Paguyo, Camille Millar and Justice Onwordi.
The fellows were required to meet certain requirements and have relevant public health experience to be eligible. Prior work experience in public health or health care, including internships and leadership demonstrations through community involvement or professional associations, was strongly considered.
Students also receive robust learning environments, networking and professional development through APHA and KP conferences, mentorship and work experience opportunities. Beginning in 2022, the program will expand to offer two-year scholarships to outstanding incoming MPH students from diverse, low-income backgrounds, and increase the fellowship cohort to 10.
