Program Dates:

  • 9-week summer program that begins Monday, May 29, 2023 and concludes Friday, July 28, 2023.
    • One-Week Summer Program Orientation– Monday, May 29, 2023—Friday, June 2, 2023

Program Overview:

The in-person program begins with Orientation for ALL scholars. Registration and seminars will begin on Monday, May 29, 2023 through Friday, June 2, 2023. Following orientation, scholars start their summer experiences led by Kennedy Krieger Institute, the University of South Dakota, or the University of California-Davis on Monday, June 5, 2023, and conclude on Friday, July 28, 2023. UC Davis scholars will participate in a 6-week in-person program that begins on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 and concludes on Friday, July 28, 2023.

Three public health leadership experiences are available. Scholars may choose up to two (2) leadership experiences at their MCHC/RISE-UP location. Mentored public health experiences offered to scholars are:

  1. Clinical: Scholars rotate through clinical experiences provided by Maternal and Child Health disciplines (e.g., pediatrics, psychiatry, neurology, physiatrist, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, social work, psychology, speech/language, special education, and nursing). In addition, scholars will have experiences in community-based interdisciplinary health care and support systems for underserved groups.
  2. Community Engagement and Advocacy: Scholars 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 special emphasis.
  3. Research: Scholars work with research mentors on a wide range of public health prevention, health disparities, treatment, and epidemiological studies. Scholars receive training in the analysis of large national databases and conducting community-based participatory research.

All scholars participate in weekly seminars related to the CDC Winnable Battles, professional development, and public health, beginning Friday, June 2, 2023.

Please note: These dates and formats are subject to change. All scholars participate in the in-person 2023 CDC Showcase and Expo in Atlanta, GA (Monday, July 24, 2023-Wednesday, July 26, 2023).

Program Benefits: 

  • A $3,500 stipend is provided for Kennedy Krieger Institute, the University of South Dakota and Aaniiih Nakoda College (9-week), and $3,000 is provided for the University of California (8-week) program participants.
  • Education and career mentorship

Eligibility Requirements: 

To be considered for acceptance into this program, the applicant must:

  • Be currently enrolled as a rising junior or senior or received their baccalaureate degree within 12 calendar months of the MCHC/RISE-UP program orientation
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better on a 4.0 scale
  • Be a US citizen, US National, permanent resident 
  • Be able to commit to participate in program activities for the length of the MCHC/RISE-UP.

All Center for Diversity summer programs, including the MCHC/RISE-UP and Dr. James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases RISE Fellowship, will be in person. Please note that the format is subject to change based on the status of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit this website and the CDC website for up-to-date information on program modifications.

MCHC/RISE-UP Application:

The Center for Diversity 2023 MCHC/RISE-UP Application is now closed.

For More Information:

For additional program information, please contact MCHC-RISE-UP@KennedyKrieger.org. All activities are subject to the availability of federal funds.

MCHC/RISE-UP Frequently Asked Questions

Previous Program Activities: