CDC Funds Program for Minority Students in Public Health and Biomedical Science

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded Columbia University a $3.7 million federal grant for a five-year program to implement the Summer Public Health Scholars Program, a partnership between the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, the College of Dental Medicine, and the School of Nursing.

Aimed at fostering an interest in public health and biomedical science among minority undergraduates, the program will recruit and train 50 students a year who are undecided about their career choices from community colleges, four-year colleges and post-baccalaureate programs

The intensive 10-week program will include three days a week doing fieldwork in public health alongside professional mentors and weekly courses in epidemiology, health disparities, and cultural competence. Each participant will be required to complete a final paper and oral presentation.

The program exemplifies a multifaceted commitment to diversity at the Mailman School that includes programs to recruit and support a diverse faculty and diverse student body. 

Robert Fullilove, Mailman School associate dean for community and minority affairs and professor of clinical sociomedical sciences is program co-director with Hilda Hutcherson of the College of Physicians and Surgeons.