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Research & Action for Community Health (REACH): ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´/UCSD Smoke and Vape Free Scholars Initiative Program

Welcome to the Research & Action for Community Health (REACH): ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´/UCSD Smoke and Vape Free Scholars Initiative Program. We are seeking ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ students committed to improving health in the community to participate in our paid 22-month training program. Our goal is to improve health in California through research and action in communities most affected by tobacco. Our program is designed to build students’ skills and confidence to conduct tobacco prevention research and advocacy.

Scholars will spend one year working with a research mentor on a tobacco prevention or treatment research project. Scholars will also work with a community organization on a tobacco prevention advocacy project for nine months. Scholars will receive professional development, advising, networking, and graduate school/job application support.  

The program is funded by the California Tobacco Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP; T36SR10343) and is a partnership between ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ and UC San Diego.  

Eligibility Requirements

1. Interest in health research or advocacy
2. Committed to addressing tobacco use and disease in our region through health research or action in a community most affected by tobacco
3. Evidence of qualities necessary to succeed in research and/or advocacy work
4. Able to commit time necessary to engage in the program
5. Two years remaining to complete an undergraduate or Master’s degree at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´

Program Requirements

1. 10+ hours per week devoted to training and education
   • Research internship during Year 1: 10 hours per week
   • Advocacy internship during Year 2: 10 hours per week
   • Weekly program team meeting and attendance at a monthly group event
2. Participation in summer research
3. Present research at university events and scientific meeting
4. Participate in weekly program meeting and recommended seminars or workshops
5. Meet with faculty advisor and complete evaluation surveys each semester

Student Benefits

1. Scholars will receive $40,000 in financial support over 22 months
   • • Stipend - $1,392/month
     • Tuition assistance - $3,564/year
     • Conference travel - $2,250
2. Obtain hands-on research experience with experienced mentor at UCSD or ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´
3. Obtain real world public health experience with community organization conducting tobacco prevention advocacy work
4. Placement into both internships
5. Conference travel expenses paid
6. Mentoring by faculty and community partners
7. Networking opportunities
8. Graduate school and career guidance