Student Leaders in Public Health

Welcome!

The goal of this program was to increase the supply and diversity of the public health workforce in the Rocky Mountain Region, specifically in underserved communities and populations by supporting students conducting applied public health projects and providing opportunities for mentoring and professional development. This program was funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

  • Student must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen U.S. national, or foreign national possessing a visa permitting permanent residence in the U.S..
  • International students are not eligible for this federal funding opportunity.
  • Student must be enrolled in a higher education program in Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota or South Dakota (Rocky Mountain Region). Qualifying programs include university, college, tribal college, and community college. If enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate program, student must be a junior or senior.
  • Student must complete the public health focused project within the Rocky Mountain Region.
  • Priority will be given to projects addressing rural, medically underserved, and/or disadvantaged communities.
  • Projects must involve at least 200 hours of effort and be substantially completed by June 30, 2026.
  • Deliverables: The student will be required to complete two deliverables (paper/poster and abstract) describing the project and its impact. An optional presentation will be offered as well.

Best way to prepare for the application? Identify a host site, a mentor and discuss your public health project details. Contact Olivia Jolly for more information on finding a host site.

Email: Olivia.Jolly@CUAnschutz.edu

2025-26 SLPH Review Committee Members

  • Sandra Melstad, PhD, MPH – Public Health Consultant, SLM Consulting (located in South Dakota)
  • Tyler Shirey – Director of Finance, Trailhead Institute (located in Colorado)
  • Lauren Small Rodriguez, MPH – Executive Director, Calling our Spirits Forward (located in Montana)
  • Beth Stewart, MPH – Senior Project Coordinator, RMPHTC (located in Wyoming)
  • Jim Vanderslice, PhD – Division Chief, Division of Public Health, University of Utah
  • Christina Yebuah, MPH/MPA – Public Health Consultant (recent CO experience: CDPHE and CCLP)
  • Olivia Jolly, MPH – Manager of Practice Based Learning and the Student Leaders in Public Health Program, RMPHTC

Need More Info?

Christina Yebuah, MPH/MPA, provides an overview of why she supports the Student Leaders in Public Health program through RM-PHTC.

 

Efren Garcia (MPH student and SLPH 2022-23 recipient) discusses the financial support of the SLPH program.

Christina Yebuah, MPH/MPH, provides advice for students preparing to complete the SLPH application.

Resources