The Excellence in Mentorship for Unity, Resilience, and Growth (EMURG) in Health Leaders 12-Month Fellowship Program supports federal public health careers and professional development to promote health. EMURG Fellows will be placed in one of the Department of Health and Human Services Agencies, for example: 

  • Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
  • Administration for Community Living (ACL)
  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
  • Indian Health Services (IHS)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • Office of Minority Health (OMH)
  • Office of Population Affairs (OPA)
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Purpose of the EMURG Fellowship

The fellowship aims to provide educational and professional development opportunities for graduate-level scholars in the federal leadership workforce who are interested in promoting public health, mental health, maternal and child health, and developing policies to promote health for all citizens within the federal government. The overarching goal of the EMURG Fellowship is to provide training in public health research, evidence-informed interventions, and leadership skills for early career individuals designed to improve the health and well-being in the U.S. and eliminate health disparities. In addition, fellows may also gain clinical experience.

The 12-month (full-time/40 hours per week) fellowship program is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health. Fellows may also gain clinical experience and develop professional leadership skills in the public health field.

A diverse group of young professionals in an office.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program, or completed a master's or doctoral degree within 12 calendar months of the EMURG orientation (last week in May)
  • The EMURG Program is intended for highly qualified undergraduate scholars with at least a 3.0 GPA, or better, on a 4.0 scale.
  • Interested in reducing health disparities and a leadership career in the federal government
  • Be able to commit to participate in program activities for the length of the program (Full-time/40 hours per week)
  • Be a US citizen, US National, permanent resident

Planned Activities

  • January 2025 – March 2025:
    • Review EMURG applications and Schedule Interviews
  • April 2025
    • Notification of selection EMURG fellows
  • May 26, 2025 – May 30, 2025 & June 2, 2025 - June 6, 2025:
    • In-person 2-week ORIENTATION at Kennedy Krieger Institute (Baltimore, MD)
  • June – July 2025:
    • Weekly EMURG Public Health and Leadership Seminars
  • July 2025 – September 2025:
    • Placements will begin at your assigned Department of Health and Human Services Agency and continue through May 23, 2025. 
  • May 2026:
    • Final DHHS Presentation

Important Information

12-Month Post-Doc

  • Stipend Amount: $61,428**
  • Orientation Dates: May 26, 2025 - June 6, 2025
  • 2025 Program Dates: May 26, 2025 - May 23, 2026
  • Housing: Yes*

*Housing allowance (up to $20,400) is available with rates based on geographic region. 

**Stipend amount is determined by academic experience.

12-Month Post-Masters

  • Stipend Amount: $44,252
  • Orientation Dates: May 26, 2025 - June 6, 2025
  • 2025 Program Dates: May 26, 2025 - May 23, 2026
  • Housing: Yes*

*Housing allowance (up to $20,400) is available with rates based on geographic region. 

12-Month Pre-Masters

  • Stipend Amount: $39,624
  • Orientation Dates: May 26, 2025 - June 6, 2025
  • 2025 Program Dates: May 26, 2025 - May 23, 2026
  • Housing: Yes*

*Housing allowance (up to $20,400) is available with rates based on geographic region. 

Benefits of Being an EMURG Fellow

  • Gaining an Academic foundation in political and social determinants of health
  • Obtaining meaningful work experience in the federal government
  • Multi-level mentorship
  • Stipend based on federal rates for academic level
  • Paid housing and transportation expenses
  • Sponsorship to the Annual Conference for the American Public Health Association (APHA)

Please Note:

The 2025 Center for Excellence application portal for EMURG is open. Center for Excellence programs may be in-person, hybrid, or virtual. All activities are contingent on the availability of federal funds. Program dates may be subject to adjustments.

This webpage was supported by the Office of Minority Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (H.H.S.) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $700,000, with 100 percent funded by the Office of Minority Health/OASH/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, the Office of Minority Health/OASH/HHS or the U.S. government. For more information, please visit KennedyKrieger.org/EMURG.