MCH LEEDs Information Session
Are you a rising second-year MPH student interested in leadership development, community engagement, and advancing equity in
Maternal & Child Health? Join us for an upcoming Virtual Information Session to learn more about the UGA MCH LEEDs Scholarship, a two-semester funded training experience supported by the U.S. Maternal & Child Health Bureau.
During this session, attendees will receive an overview of the program’s goals, scholar expectations, eligibility requirements, benefits, and application process. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, explore whether the program aligns with your academic and career goals, and prepare a strong application.
Key Dates
- Virtual Information Session: January 30, 2026
- Application Deadline: March 13, 2026
Students considering a career in Maternal & Child Health, especially those seeking meaningful leadership experience, are encouraged to attend.
Application process
The UGA Maternal & Child Health Leadership Education in Eliminating Disparities Scholars (MCH LEEDs) Program invites eligible MPH students to apply for the LEEDs Scholarship, a 300+ hour funded experience supported by the U.S. Maternal & Child Health Bureau. Applications open at the beginning of each Spring semester. Applications will be reviewed according to the following criteria: Citizenship Eligibility, Academic Performance, Interest in Maternal & Child Health, Experience in Maternal & Child Health, Leadership Experience, Personal Narrative, and Financial Support.
This program aims to develop student leadership in Maternal & Child Health by offering targeted training, coursework, and hands-on experience with community partners. Scholars will gain MCH knowledge and competencies, participate in leadership development, and contribute to building a strong student-led MCH community at UGA.
You can find the application here: UGA MCH Leadership Education in Eliminating Disparities 26/27 Scholars Application.
Scholar Requirements
- Engage in and track 300+ hours of training
- Participate in Scholar Orientation and regularly scheduled Scholar meetings
- Create an Individualized Leadership Training Plan and pursue opportunities to gain competency in the MCH Leadership Competencies
- Enroll in HPRB 7935 and provide course feedback on curricula and assignments to enhance and refine future offerings
- Participate in MCH Student Organization activities
- Build partnerships with current community partners at least once per semester
- Complete a Maternal & Child Health-focused Applied Practice Experience (APE) at an approved site
- Participate in MCH leadership development opportunities
- Complete Surveys at the start and end of the scholarship year and post-graduation
- Pursue career opportunities in MCH post-graduation
Eligibility
- Second Year full-time Master of Public Health student (HPB students given preference)
- Demonstrated commitment to one or more MCH focus areas (Infant Health, Early Childhood Health, Child and Adolescent Health, Maternal Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Building MCH Leaders and the MCH Workforce)
- Good Academic Standing (achieve and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to travel to MCH LEEDs activities
- Must be a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national of the U.S., an individual admitted for permanent residence to the U.S., or any other “qualified alien” under section 431(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-193.
Benefits
- Educational stipend up to $9,408 per year
- Maternal & Child Health coursework, service, and leadership development opportunities
- Opportunities for connection with MCH students, faculty, and community partners
Application Components
- Application Form
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Narrative Statement (300 to 500 words)
- Unofficial UGA transcript
- Copy of anticipated fall schedule
- Copy of MPH Program of Study
