Advanced LEAP Scholars participate in a two-year MCAH undergraduate curriculum that includes MCAH coursework, a summer internship, and a research fellowship. Advanced LEAP Scholars will receive academic and professional support from LEAP, including but not limited to advanced leadership training, guidance on the graduate school application process, and mentorship/advising opportunities with graduate students and faculty.
Advanced LEAP Scholar Program Requirements
Each Advanced LEAP Scholar is expected to complete the following training program requirements:
MCAH Coursework (may overlap with major requirements)
- MCAH Core Course (PBHLTH 110A: Introduction to MCAH (3 units) offered every Spring semester, formerly PBHLTH 196, SEC 7 Spring 2022-24)
- MCAH Foundational Content Elective (1-4 units)
- MCAH Social Determinants of Health Elective (1-4 units)
MCAH Leadership Training
- Spring Leadership Retreat in January 2025
- Cohort Meetings on Wednesdays weekly from 6:00 - 7:30 PM in Spring 2025, Fall 2025, & Spring 2026
- PB HLTH 155D: Preparation for Public Health Practice and Leadership Seminar (3 units) in Fall 2025 (highly recommended, or alternative LEAP-specific leadership training)
- Cascading Mentorship Pod with graduate student and faculty mentors
MCAH Summer Internship (Summer 2025)
- Virtual Summer Bridge Workshop Series (5 sessions from June - July 2025)
- MCAH Summer Internship (160 hours total, typically completed part-time over two months or one month full-time; fellowship award eligible)
MCAH Research Fellowship
- One-semester research fellowship focused on an MCAH topic
- Optional Honors Thesis focused on an MCAH topic
- $1500 fellowship award eligible
Application Information
The 2024 Advanced LEAP Scholars application is open to undergraduate Public Health students in their final two years at UC Berkeley (ex: EGT May 2026, August 2026, December 2026). Students who are accepted this Fall 2024 cycle commit to the Advanced LEAP Scholar curriculum until graduation in May 2026.
Application Link: tinyurl.com/leap-app-24
Deadline: November 3, 2024
If you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact the Program Manager, Tina Lu, at leap_program@berkeley.edu.(link sends e-mail)
Applying to the Public Health major this cycle? Junior/transfer students applying to the Public Health major during the Fall 2024 application cycle (December 17 - 31) are eligible and encouraged to apply as Advanced LEAP Scholars. Acceptance as an Advanced LEAP Scholar is conditional upon acceptance to the Public Health major. The LEAP program team will work with scholars and provide support with the Public Health major application process.
Advanced LEAP Scholar Application Requirements
- Public Health Undergraduate Student in their final two years at UC Berkeley at the time of application (EGT May 2026, August 2026, December 2026)
- Resume/CV (1-2 pages) that can include opportunities that you have been involved in that are related to your specific interest in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health. Opportunities can range from involvement in jobs, internships, research, volunteering, student organizations, etc.
- Short Response Questions:
- How have your lived experiences shaped your interests and goals as related to MCAH?
- What do you hope to achieve with our program personally or professionally that you can’t with a different program?
- LEAP aims to prepare diverse future leaders in the service of MCAH populations, please describe a time when you centered cultural responsiveness/humility when working with a community or group?
Resources
- Visit Berkeley Career Engagement(link is external) for resume and cover letter resources
- Visit the LEAP Peer Advising Calendar(link is external) to meet with a LEAP Peer Ambassador