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 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.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be enrolled in an NC PA program and identify as African American or Black.
- You must be entering or enrolled in your clinical year as of September 2026.
- Applications must be received by July 1, 2026.
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.
The 2026 deadline to submit is July 1, 2026.
2026 Trailblazer Scholarship Application
Hear from a Trailblazer Scholarship Winner
The NCAPA awarded the Trailblazer Scholarship Recipient to Natalie Flowers, graduate of the Elon University PA Program.
Natalie says, “I intend to work in underserved communities, providing high-quality healthcare to those who may not have regular access to medical services. This includes participating in community health fairs, offering free screenings, and working in clinics that cater to low-income populations.”
“By being directly involved in patient care in these settings, I can help address immediate healthcare needs while gaining a deeper understanding of the systemic issues contributing to health disparities,” she says.
Support the Trailblazer Scholarship
The Trailblazer Award is generously funded by private donations and is not supported by membership funds. If you would like to donate to the Trailblazer fund, please click the button below to make a secure, online contribution and select “The Trailblazer Scholarship” on the Direct Your Support drop-down menu.
Donate to the Trailblazer Scholarship by Check
If you are interested in donating to support the scholarship via check, 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 Administrative Coordinator, Karyn Davis, at karyn.davis@ncapa.org.
Top Photo Credit: PA Hx Society
