The CHCI-United Health Foundation (UHF) Scholar Intern Program helps students pursuing health-related careers receive scholarship funds as well as hands-on experience through a paid internship at a community-based health organization. The program creates a unique opportunity for financially needy students to take on what would otherwise be an unpaid internship and exposes them to the health care needs of underserved communities, all while receiving financial support for their education.
CHCI-United Health Foundation scholarships provide recipients with a scholarship of:
- $7,000 per year to pursue an undergraduate degree for up to three years
- $7,000 per year to pursue a graduate degree (masters or doctorate) for up to two years
Scholarship awards are intended to provide assistance with tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other educational expenses associated with college enrollment.
Students continue to receive disbursements each semester as long as they maintain full-time enrollment and good academic standing. CHCI manages the disbursement of the scholarships; checks are sent directly to financial aid offices after scholars submit required documentation each semester.
Please note, students must maintain a major related to the pursuit of a primary health care career. Students who switch majors will no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship.
Specific Eligibility Criteria
- Students must be enrolled full time and working towards their undergraduate degree in the academic period before participation. Recent graduates who graduate in the term immediately prior to the program session may apply
- Summer Program: Must be enrolled full time during Spring. Spring quarter/semester graduates may apply.
- Fall Program: Must be enrolled full time during Spring OR Summer (Summer enrollment not required). Summer graduates may apply.
- High academic achievement (preference of 3.0 GPA or higher)
- Evidence of leadership skills and potential for leadership growth
- Demonstrated commitment to public service-oriented activities
- Superior analytical skills, outstanding oral and written communication skills
- If selected as a finalist, all individuals will be required to provide proof of enrollment to participate in the program
- Community college individuals graduating in June are eligible for the summer session if they are transferring to a 4-year institution come the Fall semester. If selected, they will be required to provide confirmation of enrollment at new institution for the Fall semester
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, asylees, or individuals who are lawfully authorized to work full-time without restriction for any U.S. employer and who, at the time of application, possess lawful evidence of employment authorization. International students on F-1 or M-1 visas are not eligible for CHCI programs.
- NOTE: Individuals who are seeking consideration under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) policy must be eligible to work and possess valid employment authorization at the time of acceptance and must maintain continuous lawful employment authorization for the duration of the program for which the person is applying.