ASPPH/CDC Tribal Health Fellowship 2026-2027: Paid Public Health Opportunity
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.
Program Overview
The ASPPH/CDC Tribal Health Department Fellowship 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 skills in Tribal Health Departments.
Fellows join host sites to work on projects chosen by those departments. You get hands-on experience with public health challenges. Mentors from Tribal public health guide you. The program includes training sessions to grow your skills. By the end, you will have strong abilities and real contributions to Tribal health.
Key Benefits
This fellowship provides several strong perks.
Hands-On Experience
You work right in Tribal communities on field projects. This goes beyond classroom learning. It builds practical skills you can use in a career.
Expert Mentorship
A Tribal public health professional mentors you. They offer advice and support all year. This helps you grow fast in the field.
Real Impact
Your projects aim to improve health in Tribal areas. You see your work make a difference. This adds value to your resume.
Specialized Training
Workshops cover Tribal public health and cultural topics. You learn core skills in a responsive way. This prepares you for future roles.
Financial Support
You receive a $50,000 annual stipend. It also covers health insurance, training, and travel costs. This lets you focus on the work.
Fellowship Details
The program runs from September 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. It requires full-time effort. An extension up to one more year is possible if you perform well and funding allows. Most work happens in person, but some hybrid or remote options exist based on your site. Relocation costs are not covered.
Placement Sites
You can pick up to three sites when you apply. Each has projects tied to local needs. Options include:
- Norman, Oklahoma
- Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico
- Pembroke, North Carolina
- Box Elder, Montana
- Siletz, Oregon
- Winnebago, Nebraska
Who Can Apply
You must meet these rules:
- Have a graduate degree in public health from a CEPH-accredited ASPPH member school.
- Finish your degree between May 2021 and August 2026.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a Green Card.
How to Apply
Use the ASPPH Applied Learning & Training Portal to submit. Needed items are:
- Resume
- Two recommendation letters on official letterhead
- One essay for each placement you choose
- Proof of your graduation date
- Academic transcript, official or unofficial
You can update and resubmit before the deadline.
Timeline
- Applications open: March 25, 2026
- Deadline: April 30, 2026 (11:59 PM Pacific Time)
- Eligibility check: May 1-5, 2026
- Host site review: May 6-14, 2026
- Interviews: May 18-27, 2026
- Final picks: May 28 – June 12, 2026
Apply through the portal at the ASPPH site. For more details, check the official ASPPH page on the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASPPH/CDC Tribal Health Department Fellowship?
It is a one-year paid program that places public health graduates in Tribal Health Departments to work on real projects with mentorship and training.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
You need a graduate degree in public health from a CEPH-accredited ASPPH member school, completed between May 2021 and August 2026, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
What are the application deadlines?
Applications open on March 25, 2026, and the deadline is April 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
What benefits does the fellowship provide?
Fellows get a $50,000 stipend, health insurance, training, travel support, hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to make real impacts in Tribal communities.