Overview

The Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA) is excited to offer our Student Leadership Program for the third consecutive year. The transformative fellowship will run for two weeks, from Monday, June 1st, through Friday, June 12th, and aims to equip students from diverse educational backgrounds with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to excel in healthcare leadership. 

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in public health, marketing, data analysis, public policy, or healthcare administration. 

Fellows will spend two weeks engaging with healthcare leaders and policymakers to gain a deeper understanding of the complex problems facing Virginia's health professionals and the delivery of healthcare services. The program activities will cover a wide range of topics and include guest lectures, informative panels, group policy projects, local tours, and social mixers.

This program is a meaningful step toward fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders. We seek highly motivated and interested students to join our team and enhance their creativity, knowledge, and leadership skills. 

This program is on-site in Richmond, Virginia. Housing is provided free of charge, as are several meals and group activities. Fellows will receive a total stipend of $1,600 to cover any additional expenses. 

Program Features

• Interactive Sessions with healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers
• Capstone Project exploring current health workforce challenges
• Site Visits & Mixers designed to enhance learning and build networks
• Professional Development in areas such as data analysis, leadership, and public communication

This program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in health sciences, public health, political science, healthcare administration, data analysis, and related fields.

• Policy Projects

A core component of the program is the group policy report and presentation. This capstone project will emphasize public health research, data analysis, and policy evaluation. There will be a particular focus on rural and underserved areas, as well as high-need specialties, including primary care, oral health, behavioral health, and maternal health. 

Fellows will engage in group work for a considerable amount of the fellowship. 

The fellowship will conclude with final presentations to the VHWDA team and invited guests, including healthcare leaders and policymakers.

Fellows Will Receive

• Fellowship stipend of $1,600 covering two weeks.
• Housing is provided at no cost at Virginia Commonwealth University.
• Work under the guidance of experienced staff and professionals in the field.
• Gain valuable experience in health workforce development and public policy.
• Opportunity to network with legislators, healthcare, and public health professionals.

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
• Demonstrate interest in healthcare, public policy, or workforce development
• Have strong research and analytical skills
• Be detail-oriented and organized
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Fields of study may include (but are not limited to): Health Sciences, Public Health, Political Science, Business, Healthcare Administration, and Data Analysis.