The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) invites applications for the Stead Scholars Program for the Summer of 2027 (May 31 – July 23). Arkansas residents enrolled as undergraduates in accredited four-year colleges and universities in Arkansas are eligible to apply.
Awardees will be expected to spend eight weeks during the summer at both the Arkansas Department of Health and the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health (COPH), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, in Little Rock. Each Scholar will receive a stipend of $4,000 for the eight weeks. There is also limited subsidized housing available for those living more than 50 miles from Little Rock.
Each scholar will be assigned a project to work with a mentor in one of several possible areas within ADH or COPH. This Program provides the students with an introduction to public health, exposure to applied and basic public health science and practice, and health policy development.
Scholars will be expected to attend weekly seminars and meetings held at ADH and COPH, including those in epidemiology, Public Health Grand Rounds, and the Science Advisory Committee. At the end of the Program, Stead Scholars will present on their project to family, mentors, and other faculty and staff.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Resumé
- College transcript
- A one-page, double-spaced letter detailing why and what you want to learn about public health
- Contact information of an academic advisor for a letter of recommendation
How to Apply:
To apply, students should visit and complete the application at https://adhredcap.arkansas.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=NYYHWWYYWNJCLA98
Applications will open in December 2026 and are due by February 26, 2027. Further information can be found on the Arkansas Department of Health website at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/stead-scholars-student-summer-program.
