Is there a template for the Letter of Commitment (LOC)?
There is no standard format or template for the letter of commitment for the application. It should be written on department letterhead and signed and dated by the project mentor.
Can the Letter of Recommendation (LOR) come from my project mentor?
Yes, you can have the same person that you identify as your mentor also provide your letter of recommendation.
Who should the application materials (LOR and LOC) be addressed to?
The application materials can be addressed to "Scholar Selection Committee".
I applied to the program in the past, do I have to re-apply?
Yes, only materials uploaded to this year's online application will be submitted for review.
CAN I SUBMIT AN application with my classmate AS A TEAM?
Scholars are selected on an individual basis and we currently do not support team applications. All group members could apply to the program individually but we can not guarantee acceptance of all team members into the program.
How will selected candidates be notified?
All applicants who complete the online application form will receive notifications about their application status by email.
IS THERE FUNDING PROVIDED TO SCHOLARS?
No funding is available to support scholars. Selected students are encouraged to work with their academic institutions to help sponsor their registration fee and travel costs.
What is the Role of the Mentor?
Students are required to enlist the guidance of a mentor who has previous knowledge and interest in prevention and public health to facilitate the development and implementation of the project. Applicants should approach and obtain commitment from their potential project mentor prior to application submission.
Mentor responsibilities include, but are not limited to: answering questions on IRB process, providing professional guidance on project design, contributing professional public health and prevention knowledge to project development, etc.
• A signed Letter of Commitment from your mentor is required as a part of the application.
Mentor responsibilities include, but are not limited to: answering questions on IRB process, providing professional guidance on project design, contributing professional public health and prevention knowledge to project development, etc.
• A signed Letter of Commitment from your mentor is required as a part of the application.
How are applications revieweD?
APTR will examine all applications for completeness and eligibility. Each application will be objectively reviewed by a committee comprised of faculty, health professionals, and past Ambrose Scholars.
The review is based on the applicant's statement of interest, credentials and experience, project proposal, and recommendation letter. Reviewers will be asked to consider the following criteria during the review process:
The review is based on the applicant's statement of interest, credentials and experience, project proposal, and recommendation letter. Reviewers will be asked to consider the following criteria during the review process:
- Writing Style: proper use of grammar, punctuation and syntax
- Focus of Essay: concise and coherent
- Project Concept and Impact
- Volunteerism: commitment to public service and community
- Experience related to prevention or public health
Can i still be an eligible paul ambrose scholar program applicant if i graduate before the program is over?
No, applicants must be enrolled at an accredited institution within the United States for the duration of the scholar program.
Does the paul ambrose scholars program require my community-based project to have irb approval?
APTR does not require the community-based projects to undergo IRB review and approval. However, if your university program requires submission of an IRB application to determine if an IRB is needed for your project, you must go through that process before the start of any research activities.
