Eligibility
To be eligible for the Program, a candidate must meet the following criteria.
- APA members (e.g., pediatric advocates, clinicians, educators, or researchers) in early or mid-career interested in a scholarly approach to public policy and advocacy are encouraged to apply.
- Arrange payment of a tuition fee of $5600, due 90 days after receiving the invoice. If payment is not received by this date, your position will be filled by an individual on the waitlist.
- Agree to commit 10% effort during the three years of program participation; attend HPSP teaching sessions; complete required assignments; and conduct an individual project, under the guidance of a mentor, that results in a scholarly publication or presentation. The individual project should be in line with the applicant’s career goals and with departmental and institutional expectations of the applicant. A statement must be signed by the applicant and the applicant’s supervisor agreeing to supporting the 10% professional time commitment from May 2024-May 2027.
- Each applicant must select a project topic and local mentor prior to applying for the program. HPSP faculty are available for discussion of project ideas prior to application submission, if needed. Projects may be modified after enrollment in the program, after discussion with the Scholar’s mentor, assigned HPSP advisor, and the HPSP Director.
- Scholars are responsible for finding their own local If you are unable to do so, HPSP program administrators can facilitate connection with a local mentor (contact the APA Office at least one month prior to the application deadline.) A letter of agreement by the local mentor must be submitted with the application.
- You must be (or become) a current member of the Academic Pediatric Association.
- Please attest that you have reviewed and meet the eligibility criteria for the program.
During the online application process, you will be asked to submit the following materials electronically online:
STEP 1. Personal information and Statement of Agreement to Participate
- First, middle, last name
- Degree(s)
- Address
- Phone number
- Specialty
- Board Certification
- Years since completing professional training (residency/fellowship)
- Society Membership – APA required
- Academic Affiliation
- Appointment Title
- Department
- Institution (including address/city)
- Policy and Professional Information
- Percent of time spent in health policy and/or advocacy
- Primary policy focus area(s)
- Policy and/or advocacy leadership roles (e.g. Advocacy Director)
STEP 2. Project description
This scholarly project will be completed during the 3 year Program. The project can be research, education, or a policy initiative with a scholarly product at its completion (e.g. peer-reviewed publication, policy white paper, legislative policy change).
- Project Title
- Project Description (350 word limit, should include each of the following subheadings)
- Rationale/Background
- Hypothesis
- Project Objectives
- Specific, measurable outcomes of project or research
- Design/methods
- Evaluation/Analysis
- Potential for impact
- Plan for dissemination
- Feasibility
- Timeline
- Assurance of resources (financial and otherwise)
- References (No more than five)
STEP 3. Personal Statement (250 word limit)
- Advocacy experience (that may or may not be included in the CV)
- Specific reasons for applying to HPSP and how this fits into career goals
STEP 4. Statement of Diversity (250 word limit)
The APA supports diversity and inclusion in the broadest sense, including race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, and other characteristics. Because the larger pediatric academic medicine community does not reflect the diversity of US and global pediatric health professionals or the children they serve, the APA recognizes its responsibility to create a diverse community of academic pediatric health professionals. By intentionally integrating diversity and inclusion tenets within its core values, the APA will lead the growth and development of all APA members, including those individuals historically underrepresented in pediatric academic medicine.
The HPSP desires a diverse cohort of scholars, as diversity and representation are of utmost importance in health advocacy and policy work. Diversity is represented in many different forms, including but not limited to: socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or place of origin, disability, and work or other life experiences. We invite you to submit a brief statement to tell us how you may contribute to the diversity of the Scholars program related to your past experiences, background, and/ or skills.”
STEP 5. Required statement and letter from your Supervisor
Letter should include:
- Division/Department Director’s commitment to supporting the scholar through the 3 year program though: 10% FTE dedicated to participation in the program and a one-time tuition fee of $5,600 due 90 days after receiving the invoice.
- Scholar’s potential for academic productivity and overall career potential (e.g., effectiveness working with others, responsiveness to feedback, time management)
STEP 6. Required letter, and CV from your Mentor
- Local mentors should have experience in public policy and advocacy and/or research experience and be willing to act in a mentorship role both to supervise the project and engage in career planning. The APA can help applicants identify local mentors if needed, prior to submitting the application.
- Letter should include:
- Mentor’s commitment to supporting the scholar through the 3 year program
- Mentor’s experience relevant to project proposal
- Scholar’s potential for the capacity to become effective health advocates (including, but not limited to, using evidence, putting ideas into action, working in teams, and working in the community)
- Indication that the project proposal is feasible with the time/resources available and has the mentor’s support to make it successful.
NOTE: Letters of reference must comment on the areas listed in the “Criteria for Letters of Reference”. Please give a copy of these criteria to your supervisor and mentor.
STEP 7. A curriculum vitae that highlights your education, post-graduate training, background and experience, publications, research, and organizational affiliations relevant to health policy and or advocacy.
STEP 8. Submit your application.
Cost of program is the responsibility of the scholar
$125 application fee
$5600 tuition due 90 days after receiving the invoice
10% professional time for 3 years
Travel to PAS meeting x 3 years