ASPPH/CDC Tribal Health Fellowship 2026-2027
Are you a recent public health graduate eager to work in Tribal communities? The ASPPH/CDC Tribal Health Department Fellowship 2026-2027 offers a paid chance to do just that. This one-year program places you in Tribal Health Departments to tackle real public health issues while gaining hands-on skills.
Program Overview
The ASPPH/CDC Tribal Health Department Fellowship Program started in 2025. It comes from a partnership between the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The goal is to build stronger Tribal Health Departments.
Fellows work on projects chosen by the host sites. They get guidance from Tribal health experts. The program also includes training sessions to grow professional skills. By the end, you will have helped Tribal health systems and built key abilities for your career.
Key Benefits
This fellowship provides real-world experience in Tribal public health. Here are the main perks.
Hands-On Experience
You work directly in Tribal communities on field projects. This goes beyond classroom learning and lets you apply your knowledge right away.
Expert Mentorship
Each fellow gets paired with a Tribal public health leader. This mentor offers advice and support all year long.
Real Impact
Your work helps improve health in Tribal areas. Projects focus on needs set by the communities themselves.
Specialized Training
You join workshops on Tribal health topics, cultural sensitivity, and core skills. These build your expertise.
Financial Support
The program pays an annual stipend of $50,000. It also covers health insurance, training costs, and travel expenses.
Fellowship Structure
The fellowship runs from September 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. It requires full-time work, mostly in person, though some sites allow hybrid or remote options. Relocation costs are not included.
You can extend for one more year if you perform well and funding allows. Placements match you to sites based on your application.
Placement Locations
Choose up to three sites when you apply. Options include:
- Norman, Oklahoma
- Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico
- Pembroke, North Carolina
- Box Elder, Montana
- Siletz, Oregon
- Winnebago, Nebraska
Each location has projects tied to local health needs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must:
- Have a graduate degree in public health from a CEPH-accredited school that is an ASPPH member.
- Finish your degree between May 2021 and August 2026.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Application Process
Apply online through the ASPPH Applied Learning & Training Portal. You can update your application until the deadline.
Submit these items:
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation on official letterhead
- One essay for each placement you select
- Proof of your graduation date
- Academic transcript (official or unofficial)
Apply here. For more details, visit this page.
Application Timeline
- March 25, 2026: Applications open
- April 30, 2026 (11:59 PM PT): Deadline
- May 1-5, 2026: Check eligibility
- May 6-14, 2026: Sites review applications
- May 18-27, 2026: Interviews
- May 28 – June 12, 2026: Final picks
Why This Fellowship Matters
If you care about health equity in Tribal communities, this program offers top training and real contributions. It sets you up for a strong career in public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASPPH/CDC Tribal Health Department Fellowship?
It’s a one-year paid program that places public health graduates in Tribal Health Departments to work on real projects with expert guidance and training.
Who is eligible to apply?
You need a graduate degree in public health from a CEPH-accredited ASPPH member school, completed between May 2021 and August 2026, and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are due by April 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT, through the ASPPH portal.
What financial support does the fellowship offer?
Fellows receive a $50,000 annual stipend, plus health insurance, training costs, and travel expenses.