Maternal and Child Health Scholarship

2020-2021 Funding Application

The goal of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health Maternal and Child Health Scholarship is to increase the number of graduate student trainees who are from underrepresented backgrounds in the maternal and child health field. The scholarship is funded by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Maternal and Child Health Public Health Catalyst Program.

Student Eligibility Criteria

• The student must:
  • Be from one or more underrepresented backgrounds as defined by at least one of the following:
    • Underrepresented minority based upon the definition of HRSA (American Indian or Alaska Native, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, Hispanic );
    • First Generation to attend college – Have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree (see First-Generation and Continuing-Generation College Students: A Comparison of High School and Postsecondary Experiences;
    • Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended;
    • Were or currently are eligible for Federal Pell grants;
    • Received support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as a parent or child.
  • Have completed this MCH Scholarship Application.
  • Be in good academic standing within COPH.
  • Provide a letter of reference from a previous academic instructor or work/volunteer position supervisor.
  • If currently enrolled, have at least one semester remaining in the program.
  • Unofficial copy of current transcript, if enrolled OR Unofficial copy of transcript from previous degree program, if newly enrolled.
  • Submit a statement up to 2-pages (double-spaced) in length about your interest in MCH including future plans to work in the MCH field

*Priority will be given to full-time students and those who plan to pursue careers in MCH.

Student Benefits

• Scholarship of $2,500/year to cover tuition/fees and books. (Awardees may re-new one time)
• Annual membership dues to one Maternal and Child Health focused professional organization (up to $300 per year).
• Scholarship funds will be dispersed into the students’ university account.