CDC John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program

At a glance

CDC's Office of Health Equity (OHE) supports the CDC John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health (Lewis) Scholars Program. This program introduces undergraduate and recently graduated students to topics in minority health and health equity and supports their career development.

Lewis Scholars program participants share projects at the 2023 CDC Student Showcase.

About Lewis Ferguson

OHE partners with seven different institutions to deliver the Lewis Scholars Program. Each institution provides an individualized program with focus areas within public health and minority health. Example focus areas include maternal and child health, occupational health, social determinants of health, elimination of health disparities, environmental justice, and climate and health, and developmental disabilities.

Student shares research project with program participants.
Program participants share projects at the 2023 CDC Student Showcase.
Student shares research project with program participants.
Program participant shares project at the 2023 CDC Student Showcase.

Apply to be a Lewis Scholar

Explore the seven different Lewis Scholars Programs currently available:

  1. Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health - Summer Public Health Scholars Program
  2. Kennedy Krieger Institute - Maternal Child Health Careers/Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement - Undergraduate Program (MCHC/RISE-UP)
  3. Morehouse College - Project Imhotep Program
  4. Southern Plains Tribal Health Board - Tribal Health Experiential Student Internship Seminar program (THESIS)
  5. University of Michigan School of Public Health - Future Public Health Leaders Program (FPHLP)
  6. University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health - Pitt Public Health Undergraduate Scholars Program
  7. UCLA Fielding School of Public Health - UCLA Public Health Scholars
  • Select the program you are interested in and apply through the program web page.
  • Applications open each year in the fall; exact dates vary between programs.

Apply to be a Mentor

  • Email OHE@cdc.gov to learn more about Lewis Scholars Program mentorship opportunities.

About the Lewis Scholars Program

Since the founding of the Lewis Scholars Program in 2011, the program has accepted approximately 1,600 students from more than 35,000 applicants (5% acceptance rate). At the time of the 2020 retrospective outcome evaluation (775 respondents), 67% (517) were enrolled in an advanced degree program in public health or another health-related field.

Lewis Scholars have a tremendous impact on the field of public health, both during their program and in their careers afterward. Learn more about the remarkable Lewis Scholars and alumni.

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Minority Health