HRSA Grant Helps Funds Future MPH AHEC Scholars

Juliann Binienda, PhD, Director of the Division of Population Health Sciences and Evaluator for Michigan AHEC, was awarded a $1.5 million, three-year grant from HRSA (U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration) to offer MPH Program tuition-based scholarships to current public health workforce employees and health professional students including those training in medicine and nursing. The goal of the program is to increase the capacity in public health systems to meet core public health functions and the Ten Essential Public Health Services as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

This funding will allow tuition funding for up to 10 students annually until 2025 who are pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. These students will be participating in the AHEC Scholars program starting in Fall 2023. "We want to assist in increasing the numbers of the public health workforce and the quality of training in emergency preparedness," said Dr. Binienda. "We are excited to be able to offer this special scholarship opportunity at this time of greatest need."

The scholarships will prioritize those who are currently employed in the public health sector, underrepresented minorities, those from disadvantaged backgrounds and WSU undergraduate and MD students.