Tennessee Department of Health launches new scholarship program to build public health workforce
Tennessee – The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has partnered with tnAchieves, an organization affiliated with TN Promise, to introduce the Public Health Academic Bridge Scholars Program — a new scholarship initiative aimed at developing Tennessee’s future public health professionals.
This program will award $5,000 scholarships annually to 20 Tennessee students who have earned an associate’s degree and plan to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.
“Building opportunities for tomorrow’s public health professionals is instrumental to the healthcare needs of all Tennesseans,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP. “The scholarships available in this program build on the opportunities of TN Promise toward more students successfully completing four years of university study.”
Designed to support students who demonstrate academic excellence and interest in public health, the program aims to ease their transition from community colleges to in-state universities, where they will continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree.
This year, TDH and tnAchieves selected the first group of 20 scholars. Over the summer, these students will engage in seven hours of in-person and virtual activities with TDH, offering valuable insights into career opportunities within public health.
“This is an incredible opportunity for students seeking careers in public health to help them transition from community colleges to universities,” said tnAchieves President and CEO Krissy Dealejandro. “We are grateful to join with the Tennessee Department of Health to give students opportunities to access the education and training they need to work in high-wage, in-demand health fields across Tennessee.”
The scholarship program is funded through a Public Health Infrastructure Grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It builds on TDH’s ongoing collaboration with tnAchieves, which has previously included job shadowing experiences and volunteer mentoring to help students navigate college and career pathways.
tnAchieves is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing post-secondary opportunities and outcomes through community-rooted, holistic student support. More information is available at www.tnachieves.org.
The Tennessee Department of Health’s mission is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all Tennesseans. Additional details about TDH services and programs can be found at www.tn.gov/health.