Empowering a new generation of health equity leaders.

Key benefits of the BLKHLTH CARES fellowship program include:

• Immersive learning experiences and hands-on projects

• Exposure to local leading racial health equity advocates and professionals

• Opportunities to engage with local community health organizations and coalitions

• Access to resources and support to develop your advocacy skills

• A stipend for your participation in the program

• Virtual Information Session 1: October 2, 2024

• Virtual Information Session 2: October 21, 2024

• Application Live: October 1, 2024

• Application Closes: October 25, 2024

• Applicants Notified: November 2024

• Fellowship Begins: January 2025

• Fellowship Ends: May 2025

Click below to view the virtual information session!

Watch Virtual Information Session (PW: %.^a0YSW)

Click on the date to register!

Monday, October 21, 2024

Program and Eligibility

1. What is the BLKHLTH CARES program?

   CARES (Community Advocacy for Racial Equity School) is an innovative new fellowship program created by BLKHLTH to train future health professionals as effective advocates for racial equity in health. This hybrid program combines virtual learning with hands-on fieldwork.

2. What are the program goals and components?

   CARES aims to equip a diverse cohort of students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to drive community-level changes addressing racial health inequities. Core program components include interactive training sessions, guest speakers, case studies, and a community project.

3. Who is eligible to apply?

   CARES is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing careers in healthcare, public health, or related fields. Postdocs are also welcome to apply. We are currently recruiting for students based in the Washington, D.C. area. A passion for racial justice and health equity is essential, but prior advocacy experience is not required.

4. Do I have to be a full-time student to participate in the fellowship program?

   No, full-time enrollment is not a requirement for the BLKHLTH CARES fellowship. We recognize that many students balance academics with work, family, and other responsibilities. You are eligible to apply as long as you are actively enrolled in a college or university in the Washington, D.C. area and can commit to the program schedule and deliverables. This includes part-time students, online students, and those pursuing alternative academic pathways. Post-docs are also encouraged to apply. Our goal is to build a diverse cohort of emerging leaders and changemakers.

5. Can I get course credit for completing the fellowship?

   We understand that receiving academic credit can be valuable for students. While BLKHLTH cannot directly offer course credit, we are happy to work with you and your academic institution to explore potential options. This may include providing documentation of the program curriculum, hours, and deliverables for you to submit for independent study or internship credit. We encourage you to proactively speak with your academic advisor to see what might be possible.

Application Process

1. What are the application requirements?

   Applicants must submit a completed online application form, resume/CV, unofficial transcript, and responses to short essay questions.

2. When is the application deadline?

   The application will open on October 1, 2024. All application materials must be submitted by October 25, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST.

3. When will admissions decisions be made?

   Applications will be reviewed in October on a rolling basis, and finalists will be invited to virtual interviews in early November. Final admissions decisions will be announced by November 15, 2024.

Program Logistics

1. How many students will be selected?

   The DC CARES cohort will consist of 30 fellows.

2. What is the program time commitment?

   CARES is a hybrid model with two in-person half-day sessions currently scheduled for January 25, 2025 and May 2025 (exact date TBD). The virtual sessions are biweekly for two hours in the evenings between February - May 2025. Fellows should expect no more than one to two hours per week of readings, assignments, and project work.

   Fellows will also be required to participate in a community immersion activity with a local organization. Options include attending a community meeting, volunteering with an organization, attending an advocacy day, or attending a community health event.

3. Is there a cost to participate? What about funding opportunities?

   Thanks to the generous support of BLKHLTH's partners, participation in CARES is free. All selected fellows will receive a $700 stipend for their participation in the cohort.

4. What can I expect to get out of the program as a fellow?

   As a BLKHLTH CARES fellow, you can expect a transformative experience that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and network to be an effective health equity advocate. Key takeaways include:

   • Deep understanding of the root causes of racial health inequities, including structural racism and social determinants of health

   • Practical skills in community organizing, policy advocacy, and program planning to drive systemic change

   • Hands-on experience developing and implementing a health equity project in partnership with local organizations

   • Mentorship and coaching from experienced faculty and leaders in the field

   • Expanded professional network of like-minded peers, alumni, and partners committed to advancing racial justice in health

   • Competitive edge and leadership experience to propel your career in healthcare, public health, and related fields

   • $700 stipend to support your participation and growth

Contact Information

1. Who can I contact?

   Please email any other questions to desiree@blkhlth.com, our program manager, and she will get back to you promptly.

   We look forward to receiving your application for the BLKHLTH CARES fellowship program! Let us know if you need any other information.

2. Are there information sessions that I can attend to learn more about the program?

   Yes, absolutely! We are offering two virtual information sessions for prospective applicants to learn more about the BLKHLTH CARES fellowship program.

   We highly recommend attending one of these info sessions if you're considering applying to BLKHLTH CARES. It's a great way to determine if the program fits your goals and get a head start on your application.

   To register for either session, simply click here:

   Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 12:00 PM EST

   Monday, October 21, 2024 at 12:00 PM EST

   Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon! If you can't make it to either of the scheduled times, we will be recording the sessions and can share that recording upon request.

   During these interactive sessions, you'll have the opportunity to:

   • Hear an overview of the program's mission, goals, and components from the BLKHLTH CARES leadership team

   • Learn more about the application process, requirements, and selection timeline

   • Understand the time commitment and expectations for fellows

   • Discover the unique benefits of participating

   • Get all your questions answered in a live Q&A portion