Applications for 2006 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program Now Being Accepted

Applications are Due January 9, 2006, for Summer 2006.

CONTACT: Jomo Kassaye, (202) 238-2385 or bjscholars@howard.edu

The Kaiser Family Foundation’s Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program brings talented African American, Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander college seniors and recent graduates to Washington, D.C., during which time the Scholars are placed in Congressional offices in order to learn first-hand how health policy is developed and implemented.

Through the nine-week program (May 23- July 28, 2006), Scholars will learn about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills. In addition to gaining experience in a Congressional office, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits to enhance their knowledge of health care issues. Upon completion of the session, Scholars write and present a health policy research memo.

PURPOSE
The Kaiser Family Foundation established the Scholars Program to honor the legacy of late U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who was a Foundation Trustee, and to expand the pool of students of color interested in the field of health policy.

ELIGIBILITY
Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who will be seniors or recent graduates of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2006. Currently enrolled law, medical, and graduate students are not eligible to apply. Successful applicants will show evidence of academic achievement and will demonstrate the following:

• Be a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial or ethnic health disparities; and


• Have experience working in or with programs that address health disparities (e.g. local health departments, community health centers, inner city/ rural hospitals or organizations that conduct research on or develop policy related to health or healthcare disparities) or have done previous academic work (e.g. taken courses, written papers or participate in research projects) related to health disparities.

SELECTION
Candidates are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, and interest in health policy. A distinguished National Advisory Committee guides the program’s highly competitive selection process and strives to select a class of Scholars who are academically, geographically, and culturally diverse.

COMPENSATION
Scholars receive approximately $7,000 in support, which includes a stipend, daily expense allowance, airfare, and lodging. While in Washington, D.C., Scholars reside at Howard University.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Application materials will be accepted starting November 1, 2005. Please be advised that applications will be processed and reviewed as they are received. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 9, 2006. Application forms and additional information about the Scholars Program are available online http://www.kff.org/about/jordanscholars.cfm For further information, contact program manager Jomo Kassaye at (202) 238-2385 or bjscholars@howard.edu.

The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health care issues to policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the general public. The Foundation is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries.