Goes By: MCHC/RISE-UP
Be sure to consult the Fellowship Website for complete eligibility and competition requirements.
The Maternal and Child Health Careers-Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement-Undergraduate Program (MCHC/RISE-UP) provides opportunities for enhanced public health leadership training in maternal and child health, focusing on social determinants of health, promotion of health, and care for those with developmental disabilities.
The Maternal and Child Health Careers-Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement-Undergraduate Program (MCHC/RISE-UP) provides opportunities for enhanced public health leadership training in maternal and child health, focusing on social determinants of health, promotion of health, and care for those with developmental disabilities. Grant funding for this program was awarded to Kennedy Krieger Institute by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program to develop a national consortium of institutions and universities that provides undergraduate scholars with three public health leadership experiences: (1) clinical, (2) research, and (3) community engagement and advocacy. The optimal format for the public health leadership experiences is in-person; however, hybrid and virtual options are available. The Center for Excellence in Public Health Leadership welcomes all eligible candidates to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics.
The consortium was built on the Leadership Education and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) and University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) training framework and includes:
Kennedy Krieger partnering with:
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Bloomberg School of Public Health
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
The University of South Dakota partnering with Tribal Serving Institutions
The University of California, Davis (UC-Davis) MIND Institute partnering with UC-Davis Office of Restorative Practice (*6-week program)
Aaniiih Nakoda College/Fort Belknap Community
MCHC/RISE-UP’s ultimate goal is to promote effective health systems by introducing highly qualified undergraduate juniors and seniors, and recent baccalaureate degree scholars interested in maternal and child health, and promoting health.
Eligibility Requirements
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 at least a 2.7 GPA, or better, on a 4.0 scale
Interested in maternal and child health, or promoting health
Be a US citizen, US National, or a permanent resident
Be able to commit to participate in program activities for the length of the MCHC/RISE-UP
Planned Activities
One-Week in-person Orientation in Baltimore, Maryland
Weekly Seminars
ALL scholars participate in collaborative teams for "Friday’s Professional Development and Advocacy" and CDC Optimal Opportunities for Prevention to Promote Health.
Conferences and Presentations
Program Benefits
Stipend: up to $5,400
Conferences and Presentations: Scholars will present their research or MCH public health topic at the end of the summer at various conferences.
Mentorship: Scholars meet and work with mentors in their respective clinical, community and research fields. In addition, each scholar will be assigned a mentor coach for weekly meetings during the summer. Mentor coaches will provide professional and career guidance and assist with summer research project support.
Collaboration: Scholars will meet other students with similar career interests and gain opportunities to learn about and discuss public health topics related to the MCH field and social determinants of health.
Research: Students work with research mentors on a wide range of public health topics related to promotion of health and receive training in community-based participatory research. In addition, scholars may participate in Community Engagement and Advocacy or rotate through Clinical Experiences.
$4,900-$5,400 stipend plus cost of housing support at select partner institutions.
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Year(s) of Application | Sophomore, Junior |
Minimum Grade Point Average |
2.7 |
Citizenship |
US Citizen, Permanent Resident |
| Campus Nomination Required | No |
Last updated: March 26, 2026
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