The NCAPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee established the Trailblazer Scholarship in 2022 to support Black/African American PA students during their second year of PA school. The DE&I committee reviewed research and statistics around health disparities and gaps in representation and established this $1,000 scholarship in an effort to address these needs. The Trailblazer Scholarship is for North Carolina PA students in their second year of PA school who self-identify as Black/African American.
The scoring criteria for the scholarship are as follows:
- Demonstrated plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the future
- Plans to diversify the profession
- Plans to improve healthcare disparities
- Applicant’s financial need (self-reported)
- Applicant’s contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, either past or current
- Statement from the PA program that the student is in good academic standing
- Students who identify as Black/African American
The 2024 deadline to submit is June 27, 2024. Applications are now closed.
2023 Trailblazer Scholarship Winner
The NCAPA is excited to announce that the 2023 Trailblazer Scholarship Recipient is Gabrielle Aiden from the Duke University PA Program.
In college, Gabrielle was involved with the Global Medical Brigades to recruit students of color to facilitate medical clinics abroad, with examples including Nicaragua and Ghana. In addition to being a PA student, she also volunteers with Root Causes, packing fresh produce for families in the Durham area. Additionally, she serves on the Duke University’s Stead Society Diversity and Inclusion Committee to work towards equitable and safe spaces for her classmates and peers.
After PA school, Gabrielle hopes to work in rural or underserved communities, with a goal to improve health outcomes for underserved populations, and to prioritize equity and diversity within the field of medicine.
Donations to support the Trailblazer Scholarship
Funds for the Trailblazer Scholarship were made possible by generous donations from members of the NCAPA DEI Committee. If you are interested in donating to support the scholarship, donations can only be made via check at this time. Please make check payable to “NCAPA Endowment” and mail to:
NCAPA Endowment
c/o NCAPA
1121 Slater Road
Durham, NC 27703.
Please include in the memo line “Trailblazer Scholarship.” These donations are tax deductible, and all donors will receive an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Adams Emily.adams@ncapa.org.
Top Photo Credit: PA Hx Society
