Health Policy Research Scholars in the U.S. – Transforming Leadership in Health Policy

Health Policy Research Scholars in the U.S. – Shaping Future Leaders in Health Policy

Table of Content

Are You a Doctoral Student Committed to Health Policy Change?
Program Overview
Eligibility Criteria & Selection Process
Important Dates & Deadlines
Program Benefits

Are You a Doctoral Student Committed to Health Policy Change?

If you're a full-time doctoral student eager to make a significant impact on health policy, the Health Policy Research Scholars (HPRS) program offers a transformative opportunity. This four-year national leadership initiative, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), is designed for students from diverse, research-focused backgrounds. It aims to cultivate a new wave of scholars dedicated to promoting antiracism, structural transformation, and health equity by utilizing policy as a catalyst for change.

Program Overview

HPRS provides:

Specialized training on health policy frameworks and systemic change.
Mentorship, career guidance, and leadership development.
A strong research network committed to addressing health disparities.

For its final 2025 cohort, up to 40 scholars will be chosen.

Eligibility Criteria & Selection Process

To qualify, applicants must:

Be entering their second year of a full-time doctoral program in Fall 2025 at a U.S.-based institution.
Have at least three academic years remaining (not graduating before Spring/Summer 2028).
Be from marginalized backgrounds and bring lived experiences that align with the program’s mission.
Not hold national fellowships that prevent participation in additional programs.
Be at least 21 years old by September 1, 2025.
Hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or have DACA/TPS status.
Not have direct familial ties to RWJF leadership or trustees.

For a detailed list of requirements, refer to the official Call for Applications.

Important Dates & Deadlines

January 14, 2025 – Informational webinar (recording available).
March 11, 2025 (3 p.m. ET) – Application submission deadline.
May 2025 – Semifinalist interviews.
Mid-June 2025 – Notifications for finalists.
July 9, 2025 – Deadline for finalist supplemental applications.
September 1, 2025 – Program officially begins; funding is awarded.
September 3, 2025 – Public announcement of selected participants.
September 2025 – Onboarding meetings.
September 29, 2025 – Orientation webinar.
October 2025 – HPRS Fall Institute, Baltimore, MD (mandatory in-person event).
June 2026 – HPRS Summer Institute, Baltimore, MD (mandatory in-person event).

Program Benefits

Up to 40 scholars will be awarded.
Annual funding of $30,000 for up to four years or until doctoral completion.
A $1,000 annual administrative stipend for the scholar’s home institution.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reach out to Keshia Pollack Porter at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply