Louisiana State University Health-New Orleans Scholarships for Public Health Education, outReach, and Equity (LSU SPHERE) program will yield public health graduates prepared to work in governmental public health departments or other positions to prevent, prepare for, and respond to recovery activities related to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. Without the burden of student loans, these new public health professionals will be better able to devote their careers to public health from the onset.
Through the SPHERE program, the LSU School of Public Health will provide full-tuition scholarships for those who qualify and are selected by the SPHERE Scholarship Selection Committee (SSSC). The SSSC will include the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and one representative from each of the six programs appointed by the program directors to evaluate applications.
The SPHERE Program is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resource and Services Administration (HRSA) award number 1T52HPA46765-01-00. The scholarships will start in spring 2023 and remain effective until funding is no longer available.
Who qualifies for a SPHERE Scholarship?
Eligibility:
- A student receiving support from grant funds must be a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States.
- Awardees must be admitted to the BSPH or MPH programs of LSUHSC SPH.
- Awardees may be full or part time students, however please note the current funding source for the scholarships are effective through summer 2025.
Program Requirements:
- Awardees must maintain good academic standing (3.0 GPA or higher).
- Awardees must commit to participating in HRSA-sponsored career development opportunities within the School of Public Health and providing feedback on the SPHERE program during their time as a student.
- Awardees must agree to maintain contact with the School of Public Health for post-graduation follow up for a term of at least 5 years.
How do I apply and what will I need?
For the MPH applicants, you do not need additional materials to be considered for a SPHERE scholarship. All admitted students will be considered if they meet the above eligibility requirements.
For the BSPH applicants, you must include a personal statement, resume and answer the SPHERE questions within the application for admission.
February 15 is the priority deadline for fall semester, after this deadline consideration will be dependent upon funding availability. For all other semesters consideration will be given on a rolling basis and continue based upon funding availability.