UCGHI Student Ambassador Program

The University of California Global Health Institute (UCGHI) is seeking applicants across all University of California (UC) campuses and partnering with Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, for its 2024-2025 Student Ambassador Program. 

This remote leadership opportunity is open to all currently enrolled UC and CDU students from various stages of their education and across disciplines (i.e., undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from medical, nursing, law, social sciences, art, etc.) who are dedicated to personal and professional growth in global public health and serving as a representative of their respective campus. UCGHI Student Ambassadors will learn about the work of UCGHI and its Centers (Center for Gender and Health Justice, Center for Planetary Health, and Center for Health Workforce Equity) through webinars and networking sessions. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to engage with key researchers (faculty, staff, students) and leaders in global health across the UC system and CDU while also expanding your professional networks. The Student Ambassador Program curriculum will demonstrate the multidisciplinary nature of global health by providing students exposure to a broad range of topics, including planetary health, gender justice, health equity, and more through interactive webinars and networking sessions.

While UCGHI welcomes Student Ambassador alumni to apply, preference will be given to new students who have not yet participated in the program.

Student Ambassador Leadership Opportunity for Alumni: UCGHI encourages Student Ambassador alumni to consider applying for the four Lead Student Ambassador positions, a special leadership opportunity for two students from Southern California UC campuses or CDU and two students from Northern California UC campuses to support program coordination and to work closely with UCGHI and Center leadership.

PROGRAM GOALS:

• Education & Training:
  • To educate Ambassadors on global health issues with a focus on UCGHI’s Center for Planetary Health (CPH), Center for Gender and Health Justice (CGHJ), and Center for Health Workforce Equity (HEAL Initiative)
  • To integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in global health through a social justice framework, including decolonizing global health and advancing racial equity
• Advocacy:
  • To actively acknowledge, identify, and advocate dismantling power structures that carry legacies of racism, imperialism, and colonialism in global health through collective dialogue
• Professional Development
  • To connect students and faculty/staff across UC and CDU campuses to expand professional network
  • To amplify student voices through UCGHI’s social media platforms
  • To create professional growth opportunities for student ambassadors such as student engagement opportunities and internship opportunities

As a Student Ambassador:

Student Ambassadors will develop a wide range of transferable leadership skills and advocacy skills for your professional development. Student Ambassadors will benefit by connecting with global health learners and leaders on campus; gaining knowledge and expertise on local and global public health topics; interacting with UCGHI leadership and staff across 10 UC campuses; and collaborating with campus leaders and faculty members from across the UC.

Student Ambassadors will:

• Serve as a UCGHI student ambassador from October 2024 – June 2025 and promote the Institute and global health on your respective campus(es)
• Be invited to participate in a variety of UCGHI opportunities via 1) internship opportunity (optional), 2) student engagement opportunities (optional) such as social media, student blog contributor, and/or 3) support UCGHI virtual and in-person events, if applicable
• Commit 1-2 hours per week to the program
• Participate in all monthly educational webinars and networking events and complete required monthly post-webinar surveys (watch recordings for missed webinars and complete post-webinar survey)
• Connect with diverse and dynamic students and leaders in the field across 10 UC campuses, UC Law San Francisco and Charles R. Drew University.
• Submit a required final project and participate in the virtual Student Ambassadors Showcase in June 2025
• Receive a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of the program
• Receive a $250 student award upon successful completion of all program requirements

Qualifications:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled at a UC campus (i.e., undergraduate, graduate, medical, nursing, law, etc.) or partnering Historically Black College & University, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
• Exhibit leadership, initiative, dependability, curiosity, and enthusiasm for global public health
• UCGHI is committed to building a culturally diverse educational environment. Applicants are requested to include in their application essay responses how they will further this goal
• Demonstrate strong communication (written and verbal), including commitment to be responsive to email communication through the duration of the program
• Ability to commit to 1-2 hours of work per week for duration of the program and commit to fulfilling all requirements of the program
• Persons with disabilities, First-Generation students, Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native students, LGBTQ+ students and other historically disadvantaged students are strongly encouraged to apply
   

Student Ambassador Stipend

UCGHI will be providing $250 stipends to participating student ambassadors upon successful completion of all the program’s requirements by mailed check. Student Ambassadors must commit to prompt communication and completing necessary paperwork accurately with the most up to date information. Important note: Student ambassadors who are employed by the University of California and paid through UC Path will receive a $250 stipend less taxes. Please note that being a UC employee does not disqualify you from participating in the program.

UCGHI Centers

The Center for Gender and Health Justice envisions a world in which equitable gender norms lead to healthy and empowered people — including UC students. The Center promotes research, education and community engagement both globally and locally to reduce gender and health inequities.

Student Ambassadors will be introduced to the CGHJ leadership team and the Center’s signature research projects and will learn about issues related to gender and health justice. Students will have the opportunity to work with the CGHJ through (optional) internships or student engagement opportunities to develop, implement and promote activities that address gender and health justice, campus-based sexual assault and dating violence through research, and research related to medication abortion. 

The Center for Planetary Health envisions a healthy planet supporting healthy people. The Center for Planetary Health has the ability to galvanize faculty, researchers, and students across the ten UC campuses to address the threats and opportunities surrounding the health of populations and their environments and develop effective solutions. 

Student Ambassadors will be introduced to the Center for Planetary Health (CPH) leadership team and the Center’s education and training initiatives. Students will have the opportunity to work with the CPH through (optional) internships or student engagement opportunities to develop, organize and promote Planetary Health activities on UC campuses to expand knowledge of PH issues, mobilize student, faculty and staff involvement in PH initiatives, and catalyze critical change. This is an opportunity to become a leader that can balance the needs of populations and the planet.

The Center for Health Workforce Equity (HEAL Initiative) believes health is achievable for even the most vulnerable populations in our world when we apply principles of equity, justice, and solidarity. The Center trains and transforms front line health professionals through building a community dedicated to serving the underserved as their lifelong choice.

Student Ambassadors will be introduced to the Center for Health Workforce Equity leadership team and the Center’s fellowships and training initiatives. Students will have the opportunity to learn about global health equity and HEAL projects in the community, at the clinical level, in research, and in teaching through webinars or networking sessions.

Application Process:

The application opens Monday, August 26th, 2024. Be prepared to submit a current resume/CV and respond in 500 words or less to the following essay questions:

1. What skills, experiences and interests would you bring to the Student Ambassador program? UCGHI is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive educational environment. How will you advance this goal as an ambassador?
2. Why would you like to be a UCGHI Student Ambassador at your campus?
3. How would you describe racial and social injustices as a global health issue?

To apply, please use this application link.

2024-2025 Student Ambassador Program Application Deadline: 
Sunday, September 15^th, at 11:59 pm PT

UCGHI Student Ambassador Alumni: While completing the application, UCGHI Student Ambassador alumni will have the option to apply for the Lead Student Ambassador Position using the same application link. 

Lead Student Ambassador Position (for Alumni only):

The 2024-2025 Lead Student Ambassador positions is open to all previous UCGHI undergraduate, graduate, or professional student ambassador alumni. The University of California Global Health Institute (UCGHI) is recruiting four Lead Student Ambassadors (two students from Southern California campuses and two students from Northern California campuses) across all 10 UC campuses, UC Law San Francisco, and partnering Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Charles R. Drew University, to support coordination of the 2024-2025 Student Ambassador Program and related UCGHI activities.

The UCGHI Lead Student Ambassadors will serve as a liaison to Student Ambassadors in their geographic zone (Northern CA UC campus or Southern CA UC campus) and develop, organize, and promote activities within the program, on their campuses, geographic region, and/or across all UC campuses while mobilizing student, faculty and staff involvement. Lead Student Ambassadors will be expected to organize at least one gathering with Student Ambassadors in their geographic region (virtual and/or in-person, depending on funds). This is an exciting and unique leadership opportunity to work closely with the UCGHI Leadership/Core Team, researchers, and UCGHI leaders while also continuing to strengthen your professional networks.

UCGHI Lead Student Ambassadors will receive a $750 stipend at the end of the program in addition to the $250 Student Ambassador stipend. Interested program alumni will be able to apply via the main application. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

UCGHI Lead Student Ambassador Application Deadline: 
Sunday, September 15^th, 2024 at 11:59 pm PT (Lead Student Ambassador application included in the main program application)

Eligibility:

• Previous UCGHI Student Ambassador
• Must be a currently enrolled UC or Charles Drew University undergraduate, graduate, or professional student
• Strong interest/passion for global health, planetary health, gender and health justice, and/or health equity
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion work
• Must be able to commit to average weekly time commitment of 3 - 5 hours

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Time frame: October 2024 – June 2025
• Program Support:
  • Assist the UCGHI Student Ambassadors Coordinating team with administrative program support for the program and support UCGHI-hosted events
  • Meetings with the Communications Specialist and Program Analyst twice a month (on average) to provide updates on initiatives
  • Contribute to program curriculum development such as webinar speakers, professional development webinars, etc.
  • Support promotion and educational awareness efforts for UCGHI
  • Attend and support all monthly webinars and networking sessions for Student Ambassador Program (e.g. co-moderate, polls, monitor chat, introduce speakers, etc.)
  • Assist with coordinating Student Ambassadors Internship Opportunities Program (if applicable)
• Support Student Ambassadors:
  • Hold monthly 1-hour office hours with student ambassadors in designated geographic region
  • Lead planning and implementation of at least one community building activities for Student Ambassadors in geographic region

Why Apply:

• Leadership opportunity to support student ambassadors across all UC campuses and Charles R. Drew University and work closely with UCGHI leadership, faculty and staff, along with those working in the field of global/public health
• Develop wide range of transferable professional skills and networking opportunities
• Receive $750 stipend in addition to the $250 Student Ambassador stipend

Apply today! 

For questions or more information contact:
UCGHI Communications Specialist, Stephanie Sumstine-Felice, MPH (Stephanie.Sumstine-Felice@ucop.edu).