Eligibility Information
- Do I have to be a public health major to apply?
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No, students with any major can apply. We welcome applications from anyone who is interested in public health and meets eligibility guidelines.
- Can I apply if I am not a student at the University of Pittsburgh?
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Yes! Students from any institution in the U.S. or a U.S. territory are eligible to apply.
- Can international students apply?
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Unfortunately, the program is not able to accept applications from international students. All applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or DACA recipients.
- I am a junior or senior at a four-year college/university. Am I eligible to apply to the program?
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You are eligible to apply if you have completed two years of undergraduate study at a four-year college/university.
- I graduated from a two-year community college. Am I eligible to apply to the program?
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You are eligible to apply if your graduation is in the summer of 2024, fall/winter of 2024, or the spring of 2025.
- I recently graduated or will soon graduate from a four-year college/university. Am I eligible to apply to the program?
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You are eligible to apply if your graduation is in the summer of 2024, fall/winter of 2024, or the spring of 2025.
- I am a first-year student a four-year college/university or a community college. Am I eligible to apply to the program?
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No, you must have completed a minimum of two years of college to participate in the program. We look forward to you applying next year!
- Can I apply to PHUSP at the University of Pittsburgh and any of the other CDC Lewis Scholars Programs (Columbia University, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Morehouse College, Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, University of Michigan, UCLA)?
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Yes, but you must apply separately to each program as they have different application forms and requirements.
- I previously participated in a CDC Lewis Scholars Program at the University of Pittsburgh or one of the other sites (Columbia University, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Morehouse College, Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, University of Michigan, UCLA). Am I eligible to apply to the program?
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No, you can only participate one time in a CDC Lewis Scholars Program.
Application Information
- Can I receive an extension of the January 31 application deadline?
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No, unfortunately we cannot provide deadline extensions.
- Can I mail my transcript?
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No, please upload a PDF copy of your unofficial transcript(s) with the rest of your application materials.
- I have attended more than one college. Should I send all my transcripts?
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Yes, please combine all of your transcripts into one PDF file and upload to your online application.
- Who should write the two letters of recommendation?
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Your letters can be written by individuals who know you from an academic setting (professor or teacher) or professional/work (supervisor) setting. At least one letter should be from an academic setting. We will not accept recommendations from your friends or family members.
- Can I submit my letters of recommendation?
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No, letters of recommendation must be submitted by the recommenders via email to phusp@pitt.edu by January 31, 2025. We will not accept letters sent or forwarded by applicants.
- Will my application be reviewed if it is missing any of the required application materials?
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No, we are unable to review incomplete applications.
- What are the prompts for the three required essays?
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Each essay should be a maximum of 1000 characters (approximately 200 words).
Note that the use of generative AI is prohibited for writing essay responses. Applications found using generative AI will be disqualified from consideration.
1. Explain your interest in public health and why you would like to participate in PHUSP. Tell us how participating will help you achieve your future academic or career goals. (200 words/1000-character max)
2. PHUSP makes every effort to provide scholars with an internship placement that is a strong match. Matches are based upon each scholar's experience and academic background, preference for research- vs practice-based experience, and any special skills needed for the internship. What are your expectations for the internship? How would you react or feel if the internship you are matched with does not meet your personal expectations? (200 words/1000-character max)
3. Describe how your identities and experiences have influenced your community service, leadership roles, academic interest and/or research activities. (200 words/1000-character max)
Program Information
- What are the dates of the program?
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The program will be held for eight weeks from June 9 to August 1, 2025. Participants may need to arrive in Pittsburgh a day or two before the start to move into housing.
- What should I do if I have a scheduling conflict with the program dates?
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All participants must fully participate in the entire eight-week program. If you cannot attend the entire program, you are welcome to apply next year if you still meet eligibility requirements.
- Where will I live during the program?
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Participants will live in apartment-style University housing on the Pitt campus. Full details will be provided after participants accept an admissions offer.
- I am from the Pittsburgh area. Do I have to live on campus?
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Yes, all participants must live in the on-campus housing arranged by the program.
- How much is the stipend for the program?
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The stipend is $3,200. Participants may spend the stipend at their discretion. These funds are intended to offset some living expenses during the program.
- What travel expenses are covered by the program to get to Pittsburgh?
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The program will arrange round-trip airfare for any participant living more than 200 miles from Pittsburgh. Participants who live less than 200 miles from Pittsburgh will need to travel to Pittsburgh by car, bus or train. Participants that drive will receive a round-trip mileage reimbursement using current federal mileage rates. For participants that travel by bus or train, the program will book the ticket or provide a reimbursement.
- When will the CDC Showcase be held in Atlanta?
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The CDC Showcase is tentatively scheduled for July 28-30, 2025, during the final week of PHUSP.
- Will travel expenses to the CDC Showcase in Atlanta be covered by the program?
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Yes, PHUSP will cover the cost of airfare, lodging and local transportation for participants to travel to Atlanta.
If your question is not answered in the above list of FAQs, please send an email to phusp@pitt.edu.
