BLKHLTH CARES Fellowship

Program Type: Fellowship Program

BLKHLTH CARES (Community Advocacy for Racial Equity School) is a transformative fellowship program designed to empower emerging leaders with advocacy skills, mentorship, and real-world engagement needed to drive racial health equity in their communities. The program blends antiracism education, advocacy training, and real-world practice.

Program Format

Structure: Hybrid program blending virtual and in-person learning

Duration: One year

Time Commitment: Up to 5 hours per month

Components:

• Monthly virtual sessions
• In-person opportunities including Advocacy Day
• Peer-to-peer mental health experiences
• Social mixers

Focus Areas

Current cohort focus: Youth Mental Health Advocacy Across Georgia

Program addresses:

• Antiracism education
• Advocacy and organizing skills
• Racial health equity advancement
• Mental health systems strengthening
• Community-based project development

Geographic Scope

• Primary: Georgia (current cohort)
• Previous cohorts: Atlanta and Washington, D.C.
• Approach: Place-based curriculum contextualized to each city's history, culture, and needs

Eligibility Requirements

Participant Criteria:

• Age: 18-24 years old
• Live in Georgia
• Interested in career related to mental health, such as: public health practitioner, physician, nurse, physician assistant, doula, psychologist, social worker, counselor, therapist, health researcher, health educator, pharmacist, community health worker, case manager, mental health aide, or certified peer specialist
• Committed to advancing racial justice and health equity for Black and other marginalized communities in Georgia
• No previous advocacy or professional experience required
• Curious, motivated young adults ready to grow leadership and make real impact

Award Details

Stipend: $750 upon completion of all program requirements

Note: Fellowship is an educational and leadership-building experience and is not intended to replace employment.

Fellowship Benefits

• Immersive hands-on learning projects
• Mentorship and exposure to leading racial health equity advocates and professionals
• Community engagement and collaboration with local health organizations
• Advocacy skill-building with tools, training, and support
• Paid participation stipend

Current Status

Applications Status: Currently closed

How to Stay Informed: Join mailing list and follow social media to be notified when next cohort begins recruiting

Funding Partners

• Georgia Health Initiative
• Communities in Action for Health Equity grant program
• Pfizer Multicultural Health Equity Collective (The Collective)
• Institute of Translational Equitable Medicine (ITEM)

Contact Information

For questions about BLKHLTH CARES, contact the organization through their website or social media channels.

Application Process

Current Status: Applications are currently closed for new cohorts.

How to Apply (When Open):

1. Review eligibility requirements
2. Prepare application materials
3. Submit through official BLKHLTH CARES application portal (when recruitment opens)
4. Participate in selection process

Eligibility Checklist:

• [ ] Age 18-24
• [ ] Live in Georgia
• [ ] Interested in mental health-related career
• [ ] Committed to racial justice and health equity

Required Information:

• Age and location verification
• Career interests and goals
• Statement of commitment to racial justice and health equity
• Any additional materials requested in application

Selection Criteria:

• Motivation and commitment to advancing health equity
• Interest in mental health advocacy
• Readiness to learn and lead
• Potential for community impact

Next Steps:

• Join mailing list to receive notification when applications open
• Follow BLKHLTH on social media for recruitment announcements
• Watch the informational session video to learn more before applying
• Contact BLKHLTH directly with questions

Timeline:

• Recruitment dates vary by cohort cycle
• Fellowship duration: One year once accepted

Resources:

• Informational session video available on website for prospective applicants