Maternal Child Health Careers/Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement - Undergraduate Program (MCHC/RISE-UP)

The Maternal and Child Health Careers/Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement (MCHC/RISE-UP) Program provides opportunities for enhanced public health and related training to eliminate health disparities and promote health equity. MCHC/RISE-UP grant funding was awarded to Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a national consortium of Institutions and Universities built on the Leadership Education and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) training framework and the previous CDC-funded RISE grant. Through this program, university partners from across the nation will offer learning opportunities for students. This program's ultimate goal is to promote a more diversified and equal health system by introducing highly qualified undergraduate students (junior sand, seniors with a GPA 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale; and students who received their baccalaureate degree within 12 months of MCHC/RISE-UP program orientation) from underrepresented groups to the field of public health.  All students interested in addressing health disparities are encouraged to apply. 

Frequently Asked Questions
MCHC/RISE-UP Student Testimonials

Program Activities:

The MCHC/RISE-UP Program is a 10-week summer program that begins May 27, 2013 and ends August 2, 2013. PLEASE NOTE: Following the first week Orientation (May 27-May 31), the University of Southern California site will resume on June 17 through August 16^th, 2013.  The program kicks off with an orientation at KKI/Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore MD, the student then returns to their training site and the program closes with a visit and ceremony at the CDC in Atlanta, GA.  Students participate in weekly seminars through distance learning.

The student selects one of three MCHC/RISE-UP training sites; the one that is closest to their permanent residence:

1. Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland
2. University of South Dakota/Sanford School of Medicine Center for Disabilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
3. University of Southern California University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities/California State University, Los Angeles in California

Three public health leadership experiences are offered at each MCHC/RISE-UP site. Students may choose up to two (2) leadership experiences at one (1) of the aforementioned locations.

Public health experiences offered to students are:

1. Clinical/Community: Students rotate through clinical experiences provided by Maternal and Child Health disciplines (pediatrics, psychiatry, neurology, physiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, social work, psychology, speech/language, special education and nursing). In addition, students will have planned experiences in providing community-based health care and support systems for underserved groups.
2. Community Engagement and Advocacy: Students work with professionals in the University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Public Health and related systems on the formation, implementation and evaluation of health care and disability legislation, regulations and practice guidelines. The critical role of engaging underrepresented communities in shaping responsive systems of care receives a special emphasis. 
3. Research: Students work with research mentors on a wide range of public health prevention, treatment and epidemiological studies. Students receive training in conducting community-based participatory research, which engages communities that are currently underserved by mainstream systems.

Examples of Students Experiences

A $3,500 stipend is provided to all program participants. Housing and round-trip travel for out-of-state students are also available. All program activities are contingent on CDC funding.

Application Guidelines:

To apply for admission into MCHC/RISE-UP, please complete the required application package by Thursday, February 14, 2013. 

For More Information:

For additional program information, please contact:
MCHC-RISE-UP@kennedykrieger.org