HBCU Scholars Program
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Diverse voices have unique perspectives and approaches to health and science. Underrepresented medical professionals are more likely to practice in their communities where cultural sensitivity can create trust and improve outcomes. We’re partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to help students earn professional degrees in the biomedical and health sciences.
Our goal? Simply to increase the number of Black students who apply and are accepted into graduate science, research and public health programs.
HBCU Scholars learn about the health of their communities, participate in research projects, and explore varied career paths. Volunteer mentors give the scholars invaluable professional guidance. If we’re going to close the gap in health disparities, we must have more diverse researchers and medical professionals. A strong education can grow the next generation of African American doctors, nurses, and researchers.
A Relentless Pursuit to Close the Gap
The Past Connecting Our Future
The “Heart” of the HBCU Scholars Program
Our dedicated volunteer mentors unselfishly share their time, talents and energy to prepare scholars for a productive professional career in the biomedical and health sciences.
Volunteer mentors are the “heart” of our HBCU Scholars Program. Their influence goes far beyond the time they spend with these brilliant young adults. They are shaping and growing the next generation of African American biomedical science and health care professionals who will impact and transform communities that have had historically greater health risks.
Want to become a volunteer mentor? Email Dr. Charlene Walton for more information.
![ISC 2022 New Orleans, LA - Ernest Morial Convention Center © AHA/Todd Buchanan 2022](/en/-/media/Office-of-Health-Equity/HBCU/2022-isc-exterior.jpg?h=600&iar=0&mw=1910&w=600&sc_lang=en)
![2022 AHA HBCU Scholar Awards recipients © Larry McCormack](/en/-/media/Office-of-Health-Equity/HBCU/2022-hbcu-awards-01b.jpg?h=600&iar=0&mw=1910&w=600&sc_lang=en)
Contact Us
Funding opportunities to expand the HBCU Scholars Program are available and welcome. If you would like more information, please reach out! We'd love to hear from you.
![Quest Diagnostics logo Quest Diagnostics logo](/en/-/media/Annual-Report/2021-Annual-Report-Images/Quest_Diagnostics_Logo.jpg?h=79&w=250&sc_lang=en)
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated through the Quest Diagnostics Foundation provided the American Heart Association with financial and other support for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Scholars Program.
AHA Scholars Program
EmPOWERED
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Scholarships for students passionate about public health, health equity and community engagement, driven to address social determinants of health.
HSI
![A group of AHA's Hispanic Serving Institutions Scholars Program 2021 scholars](/en/-/media/Office-of-Health-Equity/HSI/Scholars-Program/2021/2021-hsi-scholars-event-03.jpg?h=400&iar=0&mw=600&w=600&sc_lang=en)
Partnering with Hispanic-serving institutions and their students to create a pipeline for diverse researchers and health care professionals.
NHLCC
![A group of NHLCC scholars standing in front of the AHA's life-size heart and torch sculpture. A group of NHLCC scholars standing in front of the AHA's life-size heart and torch sculpture.](/en/-/media/PHD-Images/Membership/NHLCC/nhlcc-scholars-sessions-22-03.jpg?h=450&iar=0&mw=600&w=600&sc_lang=en)
Championing equity in health and health care by supporting emerging leaders in the National Hispanic Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative.
Sure
![Three underrepresented students - two females one male - from Boston University - SURE scholars](/en/-/media/PHD-Images/Research/SURE-Scholars-Images/SURE-program-participants.jpg?h=450&iar=0&mw=600&w=600&sc_lang=en)
A unique summer research program for underrepresented college students interested in stem careers.