As a Black woman rocking an Afro on a predominately White campus, you can only imagine some of the things I go through, subtle but still very much there. Though I LOVE my college, it has it’s flaws and is working on them, but not quick enough for me lol =). Anyways, I lost my work-study because I am a Bill Gates Millennium Scholar which covers undergrad and grad school in certain areas, so the college decided I was not in ‘need’ of work-study. I plan to further my education in Public Health, more specifically in Maternal and Child Health, a program covered under the Gates program, that is NO LONGER COVERED!! Although I have had internships in the past they have been non-paid internships, one in which I worked in two general health clinics in Jamaica and my current internship which I (co)mentor a High School young woman and participate in leadership and training conferences, but frankly…That’s not putting gas in my tank, nor money in my savings for paying my master’s and PhD program.
I need help Nikki! Our career department here on campus lacks PAID opportunities and I REALLY REALLY am in GREAT need. I worked so hard to get where I am today, without receiving the Gates Millennium Scholarship I wouldn’t be where I am because of the economic realities of my household since the downturn of the economy. Basically I am asking that if anyone can give me an opportunity to step my foot in the door and increase my savings for graduate school, please help me!! I am very dedicated and passionate about my work in women’s health and equality and I would not turn down a volunteer opportunity that would allow me to further network, because of my love of the area. Also any job opportunities outside of this area would be appreciated, I just need something meaningful quickly. Please let me know if you or any of the natural community can help me, or if you need more information.
Hello, my name is Precious. Have you looked into internships with the Federal Government? They are paid internships and I participated in the interships and now I currently work at VA Medical Center. Go to www.usajobs.gov and they have information, regarding interships or you can contact one of the Federal agencies human resources department and inquire about interships. I have a friend who attends a predominately Caucasian university and she is in the medical program and has experienced problems. However, she has received various scholarships to assist with medical school. Good Luck!!
Hi I am currently a Gates Scholar receiving aid for a MPH program at Columbia. When did they announce that they would no longer be funding public health degrees. I do not see that anywhere on the website and I didn't receive a notice about that.
I also am doing maternal and child health and still have a year before I finish my degree.
I have no advice for what to do now, but maybe you could consider applying to the Peace Corps (www.peacecorps.gov) upon graduation. They have health programs overseas and your loans get deferred until you get back. You should check out the benefits and programs if you are interested. Good luck to you.
I second everyone's comments. I'm an Agnes alum as well, and while career services is weak, Agnes does prepare you well for graduate school. Do well in your classes, make sure you have a compelling personal statement & good recommendations, and the funding will come. Best of luck.
Why not work online? I work for ChaCha but my sister works for KGB. Work for about 14 hours a week and you can make about $700 a month minimum. That's what I've been doing to make some extra income.
Hi Yanique, My husband is a professor and I shared your post with him. His thought is that the most important thing to do is to get the highest grades possible now (straight A's) while taking care of your current bills. There's always graduate funding available for excellent students of color. Hope this helps. Good luck 🙂
i am so encouraged right now. i dont have a job or advice to offer but im SO glad that so many people care. God bless u ALL. And Yani God is gonna work it out for you!
Thank You Thank You Thank you!!
I am still a Gates Scholar as far as Undergraduate goes and because I was counting on them to pay for Graduate school, I didn't research any other options until they dropped the Public Health Coverage THIS YEAR =(! I am sooo appreciative of the wealth of information You all have given me and will be looking into EACH and EVERY possibility! Thanks again, and I will keep everyone posted on my success, I CLAIM IT IN ADVANCE!! lol
Yanique
Yrobinson@agnesscott.edu/yrobinson926@gmail.com
therebelliouslife.blogspot.com
Hi Yanique,
As previously stated, don't worry about money for Graduate School. I'm currently a doctoral candidate in public health at a school in south Georgia.Most schools offer graduate sssistantships which pay your tuition and you get a stipend as well. You won't be living the fabulous life, haha!!, but you should have enough to meet your basic needs. I've had a graduate assistantship for the three years that I've been working on my doctorate and I have been able to make ends meet. Please don't let money deter you from reaching your dream. If you have more questios; need someone to talk to; or more advice, email me at danielle_mincey@yahoo.com
I encourage you to look into the Emerging Leaders program with the Department of Health and Human Services.
Have you talked to your counselor about the CDC. It's right around the corner from your school on clifton rd and they have student ops. Some of those opportunities involve a 2 year committment, but they are paid with the potential to work for them in the end/ Take a look at this page and talk to your counselor or career services department they may know someone -http://www.cdc.gov/employment/menu_student.html
Not sure if you're willing to transfer to GA State, but look into the Ronald McNair Program there http://www.gsu.edu/oeo/ronald_e_mcnair_program.html
Yanique, i went to a PW women's college as well… College of Notre Dame, so i understand your predicament. like Nadi, i am a PhD student at Johns Hopkins and concur that most PhD programs should offer full assistanships. this includes teaching and research, so not only will your education be free but you should receive a stipend as well. maybe broaden your scope in terms of programs to which you apply. i wish you the best of luck!
Awww…I'm sorry that I don't have anything to add, but it really does warm my heart to see sisters helping each other.
Hello Yani…I work for UNCF and use to work for GMS- Gates Millenium Scholars program. Have you spoke with someone from the leadership and development team? Are you still a scholar? The leadership and development team may be able to assist you by providing you with resources on jobs..internships and maybe even opportunities in your area or nearby. Contact the GMS office and of course Ms. Pam will pick up and request to speak to someone from the Leadership and development team..Jeremy Daly, Joy Coleman, Luu Dong, Daniel Blunt or even the director Teri Slaughter.. Good luck.
I would LOVE to talk more with you both Freda and Nadi, Thank you Nikki SO much for posting this on your blog, it means the world to me! Nadi I didn't know all of that information about the PH.D. funding AT ALL?!?! I'm off to class now but will be back later in the evening!!
again THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Yanique
Yrobinson@agnesscott.edu/yrobinson926@gmail.com
therebelliouslife.blogspot.com
Hi Yanique,
I don't have any job opportunities for you, but I work right up the street at Spelman College and I'm an alum. of Spelman, Emory (where I got my Masters in Public Health) and a soon-to-be alum of Johns Hopkins (where I'm getting my Ph.D. in an area of public health called Psychiatric Epidemiolgy). Now, I'm not throwing around these letters for nothing, I want you to know that you shouldn't have to worry about funding for graduate school. Funding for MPH programs is difficult to come by (unless you go to Michigan's SPH), but any Ph.D. program, no matter the area, should be fully funded…and you should receive a STIPEND. Please do not apply to or attend any PhD program that will not invest in you. I'd be happy to talk to you in more detail if you'd like. You can email me at: rhilson@spelman.edu.
Hey Yanique, I definitely understand your predicament. Have you tried searching the National Institute for Child and Health Develoment (NICHD) for funding opportunities? They usually have pre-doctoral and post-doctoral grants for students interested in doing research in the field. Good luck and feel free to email if you have questions: freda0777@gmail.com
i wish you luck! I have nothing to offer unfortunately, but oh man, do I know the situation WELL…keep your head up, beautiful 🙂
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