Columbia University receives CDC funding to train minority students in public health

Columbia University has been awarded a five-year, $3.7 million federal grant for a five-year program to implement the Summer Public Health Scholars Program, a partnership among Columbia's College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing and the Mailman School of Public Health.

The goal of the program is to increase the knowledge and interest of minority undergraduates in public health and biomedical science. It will recruit and train 50 students each year from community colleges, four-year colleges and post-baccalaureate programs who are undecided about their career choices.

The intensive 10-week program will include three days per week working with public health professional mentors, weekly courses in epidemiology, public health and health disparities and cultural competence. Each participant will be required to complete a final paper and oral presentation.

It will be led by Hilda Hutcherson, MD, associate dean of the Office of Diversity and clinical professor in the College of Physicians and Surgeons.