The UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program, run by the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, is a CDC John R. Lewis Undergraduate Scholars Program. Each summer about 30 scholars come to Los Angeles to explore public health careers.
Scholars work three full days a week at a community organization, health system or government agency, and spend Mondays and Fridays in workshops on campus. Small groups also produce a research poster for a showcase.
Benefits & funding
- $4,000 stipend, paid in two installments and subject to completing the program
- Free housing in UCLA campus dormitories, with a partial meal plan (breakfast and dinner) and a Metro transit card
- Travel to and from Los Angeles arranged for scholars living more than 300 miles from UCLA
- No per diem or health insurance; meals not covered come out of the stipend
Eligibility
- U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, permanent residents or DACA recipients, authorized to work in the U.S.
- Must attend a U.S. or U.S. territory institution
- By June 2027: a four-year student with at least two years of undergraduate study completed, a community college graduate or transfer, or a Fall 2026 to Spring 2027 graduate of a two- or four-year college not admitted to a graduate program
- Past participants in any CDC Lewis Scholars Program (formerly CDC CUPS) cannot apply
- Must take part in person for the full eight weeks
- All majors; no GPA minimum
Application process
- 1Write the essay answers and submit the online application by 31 January 2027, 11:59 pm PST.
- 2Arrange two letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts; letters from family, friends or classmates are not accepted.
- 3Upload an unofficial transcript and a resume or CV of at most two pages.
- 4Shortlisted applicants join a group interview on Zoom in mid-March.
Program timeline
Online info session
3 December 2026
Application deadline
31 January 2027
Group interviews on Zoom
Mid-March 2027
Decisions
End of March 2027
Program
20 June to 14 August 2027