PURPOSE

The HEAR Program is a two-year fellowship designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in health equity research, advocacy, and policy. Amid rapid changes in healthcare that risk widening disparities, the fellowship uses a community-based participatory research approach to:

• Identify equity issues affecting patients with chronic, incurable diseases

• Generate actionable data through authentic partnerships with community organizations

• Translate findings into advocacy campaigns that drive systemic change and measurable impact

BACKGROUND

Chronic, incurable diseases affect about 60 percent of US adults and account for $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare spending. Racial and ethnic minority groups, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, and other marginalized populations experience disproportionately worse outcomes. In the Greater Hartford region, communities with strong healthcare access coexist alongside neighborhoods with persistent disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these inequities, highlighting the need for advocacy that addresses social determinants of health at a systems level.

OVERVIEW

Fellowship funding offers foundational support—an initial investment—to launch health equity research on chronic diseases (projects may need additional funds to complete their full scope), including but not limited to:

• Cancer
• Sickle cell disease
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• HIV/AIDS

Projects must:

• Focus on an underserved, marginalized population in the Greater Hartford region
• Operate within a community-centered framework to ensure relevance and impact
• Partner with a community-based organization (CBO) to co-design and implement the project
• Include a clear timeline with milestones and deliverables

Year 1:

• Finalize research design and execution plan with CBO partner
• Collect or generate preliminary data within 6–8 months
• Draft advocacy campaign framework based on early findings

Year 2:

• Complete data analysis within 10 months
• Launch and manage the advocacy campaign
• Submit a final report documenting research findings and advocacy impact
• Present results to local and broader public health audiences
• Present at a national conference
• Publish findings in at least one peer-reviewed journal

Fellows also attend bimonthly workshops, lectures, and networking events to build leadership and advocacy skills.

FUNDING

Fellowship funding provides an initial investment to advance health equity research on incurable, chronic diseases—including but not limited to:

• Cancer
• Sickle cell disease
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• HIV/AIDS

The total award is a maximum of $10,000 which includes a fellowship stipend of $3,000 and community partnership stipend of $2,000.

It should not be presumed that this support will underwrite the entire project. Funds serve as an investment to promote sustainable impact in addressing health disparities in the Greater Hartford Area. Allowable expenses, subject to review and approval, include:

• Incentives for research participants
• Mentor-mentee related expenses (e.g., travel, meeting registrations)
• Community engagement events

An itemized budget with a narrative justification detailing each expense is required.

ELIGIBILITY  

Applicants must be:

1. A UConn graduate student affiliated with one of the following:

School of Medicine

• Second-year medical students

• Third-year medical students (only if they can commit to a 2-year program, e.g., currently taking a year off for research or a dual degree)

• MPH candidates

• PhD in Public Health candidates

Allied Health

• PhD candidates

2. Commit to the two-year requirement for the fellowship

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Completed application form
• Headshot photo
• Applicant CV
• Budget Spreadsheet
• Budget Narrative
• Faculty research advisor CV
• Letter of Support from CBO partner 
• Letter of Support from faculty research advisor
• Letter of Support from program director

SELECTION CRITERIA

A community advisory board of local leaders, researchers, and health equity experts serves as the selection committee. The applications will be based on the following criteria:

• Research rigor, innovation, and ethical standards

• Structural analysis of systemic determinants of health

• Feasibility and a realistic work plan

• Relevance to community-identified needs

• Alignment with CBPR principles

• Quality of CBO partnership

• Advocacy and impact strategy

• Evaluation and dissemination plan

• Leadership potential in health equity

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS - SUPERVISION & PARTERNSHIP

• A faculty advisor who oversees the research and mentors the research

• A community-based organization engaged in project co-design, execution, and advocacy development

FELLOWSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Conduct research within 8–10 months 

• Develop and implement an advocacy campaign 

• Disseminate findings locally and nationally 

• Participate in HEAR workshops, lectures, and networking events 

WHY BECOME A HEAR FELLOW? 

Professional Development & Leadership 

• Health Equity Leadership Training: Fellows gain foundational skills in advocacy, policy, and systems change through curated workshops and mentorship. 

• Mentorship by Health Equity Experts: Each fellow benefits from the community advisor board of health equity experts who will guide their research and professional growth. 

• Individual Development Plans: Tailored plans help fellows set goals, track progress, and build a portfolio of accomplishments. 

Research & Advocacy Experience 

• Funded Health Equity Research Projects: Fellows receive stipends and support to conduct original research on chronic/incurable diseases affecting marginalized communities. 

• Community-Engaged Research: Fellows collaborate with community partners and advisory boards to ensure relevance and impact. 

• Advocacy Skill Building: Training includes op-ed writing, legislative testimony, science communication, and social media advocacy. 

Networking & Exposure 

• National Conference Attendance: Fellows present their work and engage with leaders in health equity and research. 

• Community Advisory Board Participation: Fellows build relationships with local stakeholders and gain real-world feedback on their projects. 

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Opportunities to work with peers across medicine, public health, and allied health sciences. 

Career Advancement 

• Portfolio Development: Fellows graduate with a science communication portfolio, research presentations, and publications. 

• Pipeline to Future Opportunities: The program positions fellows for competitive grants, leadership roles, and advanced training in health equity. 

• Recognition & Visibility: Fellows are showcased in community forums and institutional events, elevating their work and impact. 

KEY DATES: 

Application Announcement: August 25, 2025 

Application Deadline: October 3, 2025 

Announcement of HEAR Fellows: October 20, 2025 

APPLICATION SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

Applications must include all required documents as outlined. Incomplete submissions, or those that fail to meet stated requirements, will not be considered. Given the limited number of fellowship positions available, candidates are strongly encouraged to submit materials early to ensure full consideration. 

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS 

All completed applications and supporting documents should be sent in PDF  format via email to HEAR@uchc.edu. 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

For further information or any questions regarding the application process, please email Zaire Bartholomew at HEAR@uchc.edu.