Scholarship Overview
Program Overview
The Wisconsin Population Health Service Fellowship Program is a structured two-year service and training opportunity designed specifically for early-career public health professionals. Fellows enter the program with a graduate degree in public health or an allied discipline and are placed in community, nonprofit, governmental, or health-service organizations across Wisconsin. The program addresses some of the state’s most pressing public health challenges through hands-on work experience combined with a curriculum focused on systems thinking, collaborative leadership, and strengthening public health practice.
Over the course of two years, fellows gain broad exposure to diverse knowledge areas, professional experiences, and practice settings. This comprehensive approach helps participants build practical skills and grow as public health professionals while contributing meaningfully to Wisconsin communities.
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Financial Support and Benefits
The fellowship provides substantial financial support and comprehensive benefits:
- Annual Salary: $58,000
- Professional Development Funds: $1,800 per year
- Vacation Leave: 176 hours per year
- Sick Leave: 96 hours per year
- Observed Legal Holidays: 8 hours of paid time (note: fellows do not receive floating holiday time)
- Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Additional Benefits: Life insurance, spending accounts, retirement plans, and paid parental leave through UW
Fellows are classified as ‘Post Degree Training appointees holding the position of Research Intern’ for benefits purposes.
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria:
- Educational Requirement: Master’s or doctoral degree in public health or an allied discipline must be completed before the fellowship start date of July 1, 2027
- Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Visa Status: The fellowship does not provide visa sponsorships (new or transfers), so international applicants must already hold valid work authorization
Note for African applicants: This requirement significantly limits eligibility for Zimbabwean and SADC region applicants unless they already hold U.S. work authorization through other means, such as permanent residency, existing work visas, or citizenship.
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Placement Sites and Matching Process
Fellows are matched to placement sites through a structured process that considers both fellow and organizational needs and goals. Both fellows and placement sites apply separately to participate in the program.
The application gathers information about career goals, topic area interests, setting preferences, and geographic location to identify optimal matches. If matched, fellows are offered positions at local, state, or community-based organizations in Wisconsin for their two-year term.
Core placement sites that have consistently hosted fellows include:
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Wood County Health Department
- Eau Claire City-County Health Department
- City of Milwaukee Health Department
- Public Health Madison & Dane County Health Department
Fellows have been placed at more than 50 different public health agencies across Wisconsin, including local and tribal health departments, state governmental public health agencies, nonprofits, and community-based organizations. Dual placements are possible, allowing fellows to bridge governmental and community-based organizations or local and state health departments.
Application Timeline and Selection Process
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | October 15, 2026 |
| Applications Close | January 10, 2027 |
| Application Review | Late January – Early February 2027 |
| Candidate Notification | February 2027 |
| Interviews | February 2027 (via Zoom) |
| Offers and Cohort Finalization | Early March 2027 |
| Fellowship Term Begins | July 1, 2027 |
| Fellowship Term Ends | June 30, 2029 |
Required Application Documents
The Qualtrics application requires the following materials:
- CV or Resume: Maximum 3 pages
- Transcripts: From all graduate programs; unofficial transcripts are accepted
- Essay 1 – Statement of Interest: Maximum 750 words. Describe academic, professional, and volunteer experiences that qualify you; what you hope to accomplish during the fellowship; how this relates to career goals; why you are interested in the program; and your interest in working as a public health professional in Wisconsin
- Essay 2 – Health Equity: Maximum 250 words. Choose a broader issue or policy impacting health outcomes where change is needed to advance health equity, and discuss your hoped-for role as a public health leader in addressing it
- Placement Preferences: Responses to questions about urban, rural, and regional placement interests, geographic considerations, and public health settings and topics
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Names and email addresses of letter writers entered in application; letter writers submit directly through separate Qualtrics form by January 10, 2027 deadline
Letter writers should describe your public health experiences, strengths you would bring to a service and training environment, and areas for continued growth and learning.
Information Sessions
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a virtual information session:
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Central Time
- Tuesday, December 8, 2026: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Central Time
Registration links are available on the official program website.
How to Apply
- Review eligibility requirements carefully, particularly work authorization status
- Attend an information session (strongly recommended)
- Prepare required documents: CV/resume (max 3 pages), unofficial transcripts, two essays
- Identify and contact two letter writers well in advance
- Complete the Qualtrics application, including placement preference questions
- Provide letter writers with the separate Qualtrics recommendation form and confirm they will submit by January 10, 2027
- Submit application before January 10, 2027 deadline
For questions, contact: pophealthfellowship@wisc.edu
Official scholarship page: https://uwphi.pophealth.wisc.edu/wfdp/wisconsin-population-health-service-fellowship/apply-to-be-a-fellow/
