The Excellence in Mentorship for Unity, Resilience, and Growth (EMURG) in Health Leaders 12-Month and 5-Month Fellowship Program provides leadership experiences in the federal government which may include public health research and the development of evidence-informed policies and practices.
- 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 Population Affairs (OPA)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
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 leadership experiences in the federal government which may include public health research and the development of evidence-informed policies and practices.
The 12-month (full-time/40 hours per week) and 5-month fellowship programs are funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. Fellows may also develop professional leadership skills in the public health field. The optimal format for the public health fellowship experience is in-person; however, hybrid and virtual options are available.
Eligibility
- Candidate must be enrolled in a master's or doctoral program or must have completed a master's or doctoral degree in the 12 months before orientation begins (last week of May).
- Candidate must have a 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale.
- Candidate must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or a U.S. permanent resident.
- Candidate must commit to participating in program activities for the EMURG Fellowship.
Important Information
12-Month Post-Doc
- Stipend Amount: 62,652**
- Start Date: October 24, 2025
- Housing: Yes*
*Housing allowance (up to $20,400) is available with rates based on geographic region.
**Stipend amount is determined by academic experience and duration of the fellowship.
12-Month Post-Masters
- Stipend Amount: $44,252
- Start Date: October 24, 2025
- Housing: Yes*
*Housing allowance (up to $20,400) is available with rates based on geographic region.
**Stipend amount is determined by academic experience and duration of the fellowship
12-Month Pre-Masters
- Stipend Amount: $39,624
- Start Date: October 24, 2025
- Housing: Yes*
*Housing allowance (up to $20,400) is available with rates based on geographic region.
**Stipend amount is determined by academic experience and duration of the fellowship
12-Month Pre-Doc
- Stipend Amount: $50,835
- Start Date: October 24, 2025
- Housing: Yes*
*Housing allowance (up to $20,400) is available with rates based on geographic region.
**Stipend amount is determined by academic experience and duration of the fellowship
5-Month Post-Doc
- Stipend Amount: $26,105*
- Orientation Dates: May 25, 2026–June 5, 2026
- Program Dates: June 8, 2026–September 29, 2026
- Housing: Yes**
*Stipend amount is determined by academic experience.
**Housing stipend may be available with rates based on geographic region.
5-Month Pre-Doc
- Stipend Amount: $22,875
- Orientation Dates: May 25, 2026–June 5, 2026
- Program Dates: June 8, 2026–September 29, 2026
- Housing: Yes**
*Stipend amount is determined by academic experience.
**Housing stipend may be available with rates based on geographic region.
5-Month Post-Master’s
- Stipend Amount: $20,125
- Orientation Dates: May 25, 2026–June 5, 2026
- Program Dates: June 8, 2026–September 29, 2026
- Housing: Yes**
*Stipend amount is determined by academic experience.
**Housing stipend may be available with rates based on geographic region.
5-Month Pre-Master’s
- Stipend Amount: $19,208
- Orientation Dates: May 25, 2026–June 5, 2026
- Program Dates: June 8, 2026–September 29, 2026
- Housing: Yes**
*Stipend amount is determined by academic experience.
**Housing stipend may be available with rates based on geographic region.
Benefits of Being an EMURG Fellow
- Gaining an Academic foundation in political and social determinants of health
- Public health research
- Community engagement
- Professional mentoring and coaching
- 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:
All activities are contingent on the availability of federal funds. Program dates may be subject to adjustments. The EMURG in Health Leaders Fellowship application portal is open.
This webpage was supported by 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 the Assistant Secretary for Health/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 the Assistant Secretary for Health/HHS or the U.S. government.