The ASPPH/CDC Tribal Health Department Fellowship 2026-2027 offers a paid chance for public health graduates to work in Tribal communities. This one-year program places fellows in Tribal Health Departments to tackle real health issues. If you want hands-on experience and mentorship in Tribal public health, this fully funded opportunity could be your next step.
Program Overview
The ASPPH/CDC Tribal Health Department Fellowship Program started in 2025. It comes from a partnership between the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Center for Public Health Workforce Development and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The goal is to build stronger Tribal Health Departments by placing recent graduates in host sites.
Fellows work on projects chosen by the Tribal Health Departments. They get guidance from Tribal public health leaders. The program also includes training sessions to build skills. By the end, fellows gain strong abilities and help improve Tribal health systems.
Key Benefits
This fellowship provides real-world gains for your career.
Hands-On Experience
You work directly in Tribal communities on field projects. This goes beyond classroom learning and lets you apply your skills right away.
Expert Mentorship
Each fellow pairs with a Tribal public health mentor. This person offers advice and support all year long.
Real Impact
Your work helps improve health for Tribal people through key projects.
Specialized Training
You join workshops on Tribal public health, cultural awareness, and main skills needed in the field.
Financial Help
The program pays an annual stipend of $50,000. It also covers health insurance, training costs, and travel expenses.
Fellowship Details
The program runs from September 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. It requires full-time work, mostly in person, though some sites allow hybrid or remote options. Relocation costs are not covered. High-performing fellows may extend for another year if funding allows.
Placement Sites
You can apply to up to three host sites. Each one has projects tied to local health 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:
- Hold a graduate degree in public health from a CEPH-accredited school that is an ASPPH member.
- Finish your degree between May 2021 and August 2026.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a Green Card.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the ASPPH Applied Learning & Training Portal. You need:
- A resume.
- Two letters of recommendation on official letterhead.
- One essay for each placement you choose.
- Proof of your graduation date.
- An official or unofficial academic transcript.
You can update and resubmit before the deadline.
Application Dates
- 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
Why This Fellowship Matters
This program gives you a chance to fight health inequities in Tribal areas. You gain exposure, strong mentorship, and growth in a career-focused setting. It lets you contribute to real solutions while starting a path in Tribal public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASPPH/CDC Tribal Health Department Fellowship?
It’s a one-year paid program that places recent public health graduates in Tribal Health Departments to work on real health projects with guidance from Tribal leaders.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must have a graduate degree in public health from a CEPH-accredited school that is an ASPPH member, completed between May 2021 and August 2026, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
What are the key application dates?
Applications open on March 25, 2026, with a deadline of April 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time; interviews happen in late May, and final selections by mid-June.
What benefits does the fellowship offer?
Fellows get a $50,000 stipend, health insurance, training costs, travel support, hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and the chance to make a real impact in Tribal health.
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