DALLAS, August 12, 2021 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is now accepting applications for the 2021 EmPOWERED Scholars program. The program grants undergraduate students ─ who are working to improve the social determinants of health in their communities through volunteer work and student-led organizations ─ $5,000 to use toward education expenses. Past scholars addressed food insecurity, safe housing, job opportunities and access to health care. Since 2018, the Association has awarded $109k to sixteen students.
Applications for the 2021 EmPOWERED Scholars program are accepted through September 10, 2021. The scholarship recipients will be announced in October. College freshmen, sophomores and juniors with any college major are eligible and encouraged to apply. Students must submit a letter of recommendation, unofficial transcript, and complete an application at empoweredtoserve.org/scholars.
Earlier this year, the American Heart Association announced plans to invest more than $230 million over the next four years to support targeted initiatives and programs addressing health equity, while leading additional efforts to drive systemic public health change focused on improving the social determinants of health and tackling issues of health justice and structural racism head on. Through initiatives like EmPOWERED Scholars, the Association seeks to expand career opportunities in science and medicine for underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Additional Resources:
- AHA President’s Advisory: Structural racism causes poor health, premature death from heart disease and stroke
- AHA 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal
- AHA Presidential Advisory on rural health inequities
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Natashia Johnson: 214-706-1463; natashia.johnson@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
