Program Overview

The Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP) is designed for undergraduate students and its goal is to increase interest in and knowledge of public health and biomedical science careers. SPHSP is a partnership of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, and the Mailman School of Public Health. Together, they represent the broad spectrum of public health practice. SPHSP was awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Minority Health, and Health Equity (OMHHE), under the CDC Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program (CUPS).

The program is designed for undergraduates entering their junior or senior year and recent baccalaureate degree students who are undecided about their career goals. This is a rigorous program that includes Public Health coursework at Columbia University; hands-on field experience and immersion in a diverse, economically disadvantaged urban environment; seminars and lectures with public health leaders; and mentoring by faculty members, ensuring students' exposure to the breadth and importance of public health as a career option.

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COVID-19 Information for SPHSP Program

As CDC leads the national response for COVID-19, CDC’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (OMHHE) continues to closely monitor these events with your health and safety as our foremost concern. Currently, the Summer Public Health Scholars Program will take place in person in NYC for summer 2024. Scholars accepted in the program must be fully vaccinated to participate.

• Students who will have completed at least two years of college at an accredited institution by the beginning of the program: Rising juniors and seniors
• Recent college graduates (after April 2023) who have not been accepted into a graduate program
• Students with an Associate degree must provide proof of acceptance into a four-year institution
• Minimum GPA of 2.7
• African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, people with disabilities, economically disadvantaged, and LGBTQ individuals are encouraged to apply.