Sunday, February 5, 2023
2/5/2023
Address: University of Nevada Las Vegas, School of Public Health, 4505 S Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154 Project Director: Dr. Shawn Gerstenberger Contact Phone Number: 702-875-5090 Email Address: shawn.gerstenberger@unlv.edu Website: www.unlv.edu Grant funds requested: $1,500,000 Funding preference: UNLV requests a funding preference based on serving a high percentage of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and graduating large proportions of individuals who serve in underserved communities. Overview. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Public Health HRSA Scholarship Program will strengthen the public health workforce by providing scholarships structured to incentivize individuals to pursue training and careers in public health, from undergraduate through doctoral levels, inclusive of certificate programs for current public health workers. As a result, scholarship recipients will gain the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to improve the level of culturally and linguistically competent services and the ability to prepare for and respond to recovery activities related to COVID–19, as well as other public health emergencies. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), School of Public Health (SPH) has an established public health training program that annually prepares more than 500 students for careers in public health. The student population is 80% minority, presenting a unique opportunity to develop public health professionals who offer intrinsic cultural and linguistic competencies. Objectives. By September 29, 2025, by providing 139 scholarships, 1) increase the number of students graduating from UNLV School of Public Health who are prepared for and supported in securing employment in government, territorial, tribal, and other public health agencies; 2) increase the number of students graduating from UNLV School of Public Health who are prepared to address public health inequities and disparities and incorporat e SDOH into practice; and 3) increase the number of students graduating from UNLV School of Public Health who are equipped to prevent, prepare for, and respond to public health emergencies. Accomplished. UNLV SPH faculty and staff are highly trained and have experience in ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge and practical experience required to address health disparities and social determinants of health, respond to public health emergencies and function as effective employees of public health agencies. The faculty and staff of the SPH reflect the diversity of the student population with 53% belonging to minority groups. The project director has managed federally funded projects totaling more than $20 million; other key personnel have experience as well. Scholarship opportunities will be publicized in a variety of ways including on university and SPH websites and social media, list serves to students with a declared public health major, through the online learning system (Canvas), and direct contact with faculty. The scholarship committee has a multi-step process that gives careful consideration to each application. In addition to a scoring rubric that considers multiple factors including academic standing and enrollment status, each committee member reviews applications independently and the committee meets to discuss each eligible application and makes recommendations to the School of Public Health. The SPH has relationships with more than 100 community partners who provide internship and employment opportunities for students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the practice of public health. Projected trainees each year. UNLV will award a total of 139 scholarships to 97 students over the grant term. 63 scholarships will be awarded in year 1, 33 in year 2 and 43 in year 3. There are fewer students than scholarships as UNLV anticipates making several multi-year awards.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
