Incoming Student Funding

Graduate students in the Public Health Leadership Program are eligible for a variety of funding opportunities. A listing of available funding and awards sponsored by the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and other resources is maintained by the School’s Office of Student Affairs.

The UNC Graduate School support a small number of competitively awarded merit assistantships. The Public Health Leadership Program and each of the School’s Departments may nominate incoming students who meet stringent academic criteria. Awardees are selected on a campus-wise, highly competitive basis. For a student to be eligible for nomination, they must apply as a full-time residential student and have an available GRE report. Students may not apply directly but may indicate their desire to be considered for this award when applying. Application deadlines to be announced.

The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health offers other incoming student awards (e.g., Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship, Annual Fund, etc) for which students may not apply directly but may indicate their desire to be considered when applying. Application deadlines will be announced in the fall.
The Public Health Leadership Program has received funding to annually award the top student(s) with the Gillings Merit Scholarship(s). All degree-seeking graduate applicants are considered and the recipient(s) is selected based on their academic merit, exceptional promise and potential.

Health Leadership Awards

To apply for the Awards below, follow this link to the Online Application Form. The application opens December 1 and the deadline is March 1 by 11:55 p.m. EST. More updates coming soon.

Individuals interested in helping provide financial support for the following awards may do so online at the Gillings School of Global Public Health Donate Now page by clicking on the Public Health Leadership Program.


David Steffen and Jill Kerr Family Scholarship

2024: Recruitment Scholarship

Purpose: To support students within the Public Health Leadership Program, or its programmatic successor. It is the Donor’s preference that while the Fund be made available to all qualified students, particular attention be given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to improving public health practice.
History: Two scholarships will be available for currently enrolled graduate students in the Public Health Leadership Program in the Gillings School of Global Public Health, established in October 2021 with the first scholarships awarded in Spring 2023.

Eligibility: All admitted students in the Public Health Leadership Program are eligible.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to the field of public health practice and improving the practice. Awardees are selected after review by a committee including the Associate Director of the Public Health Leadership Program and at least one other faculty or staff member from the Public Health Leadership Program. Disbursement shall be at the discretion of the Director of the Public Health Leadership Program.

Award: Recipients will receive a monetary award.


Rachel Stevens Scholarship for Public Health Leadership (established in 2004)

2024: One scholarships available ($1,000) to award in Spring 2024

Purpose: To provide scholarships for incoming and currently enrolled graduate students in the Public Health Leadership Program who are committed to leadership in the field of public health practice. A scholarship of up to $1,000 will be available for graduate students in the Public Health Leadership Program in the School of Public Health, established in the 2003-2004 academic year.

History: Dr. Rachel Stevens was one of the founders of the Public Health Leadership Program, which is dedicated to preparing public health practitioners for leadership positions. Rachel Stevens is an effective visionary, a valued mentor and a gracious leader who has meant much to public health practitioners across North Carolina and throughout the Southeast. It is most appropriate that a scholarship benefiting the legacy of Rachel Stevens has been established in her name at Carolina.

Eligibility: All admitted students in the Public Health Leadership Program are eligible, with preference given to students who have completed approximately one-third of their degree requirements and a demonstrated commitment to continued practice and service in the field of public health practice. Recipients may be awarded a second year of funding.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on the applicant’s demonstrated commitment and minimum of five years of experience in the field of public health practice; leadership skills and academic excellence. Financial need will also be considered. Awardees are selected after review by a committee including the Associate Director of the Public Health Leadership Program and one other faculty or staff member from the Public Health Leadership Program. Disbursement shall be at the discretion of the Director of the Public Health Leadership Program.

Award: Recipients will receive a monetary award.


Selection will be based on the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to local public health agencies, leadership skills, academic excellence, and contributions to North Carolina.

Additional Awards and Student Funding

For the Gillings School of Global Public Health scholarship descriptions, application process and deadlines, please see the School’s Student Affairs Student Awards and Funding page. To explore Fellowship opportunities and other funding support, please see the UNC Graduate School website, UNC Graduate and Professional Student Funding and UNC GLOBAL funding.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact Public Health Leadership

135 Dauer Drive
4104 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7469
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7469
(919) 966-5285