Program
Barbara Jordan was a former trustee of the Kaiser Family Foundation, and the first black woman from the South elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. As a member of the United States Congress and the Texas State Legislature, Barbara Jordan's distinguished career was exemplified by her tireless advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations. She brought this passion to her work, inspiring others to become involved in addressing challenging health policy issues. The Kaiser Family Foundation established the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program in partnership with Howard University in 2000 to honor the legacy of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and to develop leadership skills in health policy for a diverse and highly talented group of young people, with a special focus on students who are black, Hispanic or Native American, and underrepresented in health policy. Since that time, the Program has expanded to all individuals interested in addressing issues affecting communities of color and other underserved populations, regardless of their race or ethnicity. To date, more than 150 individuals have participated in the program.
The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program is an 11-week program that brings rising college seniors and recent college graduates to Washington, D.C., where they are placed in congressional offices and learn about health policy issues, with a focus on issues affecting racial and ethnic minority and underserved communities. Through the program, Scholars gain knowledge about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills.
The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program has four main components: 1) orientation, 2) the congressional placement, 3) site visits, and 4) the writing sessions and presentation. For many Scholars, one of the most rewarding parts of the program is getting to know their fellow classmates.
In order to gain a better understanding of the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program, we encourage you to watch the following video.
Important Dates
Application becomes available – early October 2011
Application deadline – Friday, December 16, 2011
Selection notification – mid-February 2012
Program Start Date – Monday, May 21, 2012
Program Ends – Saturday, August 4, 2012
Benefits of Participating
There are many benefits to participating in the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program. In addition to the knowledge and exposure the Scholars obtain through their congressional experience and through the site visits, Scholars receive approximately $7,500 in support. This includes:
- A stipend of upon successful completion of the program;
- A daily expense allowance for meals and local transportation;
- Transportation to and from Washington, D.C.; and
- Lodging for the summer at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
In the event that a college or university will award credit(s) for participation in the program, Howard University will submit or facilitate the submission of all official documentation necessary to obtain such credit(s).
Upon completing the Program, participants become part of an exclusive alumni network, which offers them the opportunity to network with Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars in other cohorts, to receive assistance with job searches, and with graduate school applications.
“My favorite memory is of all of the other BJ Scholars that I met and the strong personal and professional relationships that I developed. I still keep in touch with people from the summer program, which was ten years ago!” Nimisha Kalia, 2001
“The work experience was, of course, amazing but I think the program's greatest value is the opportunity to meet and interact with the other Scholars.” Tracie Bryant, 2006
