Chicago — Albert Schweitzer Fellowship

Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program 2027-2028 · 2027-2028

Application

Welcome! We are excited that you are interested in joining this prestigious interdisciplinary critical service-learning Fellowship.

2027-2028 Application

The Schweitzer Fellowship is a 13 month-long critical service-learning program for graduate students in health-related professions to design and implement innovative direct-service projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of divested Chicago area communities. The Schweitzer Program embraces the World Health Organization definition of health as a state of mental, physical, and social well-being and not merely the absence of illness or infirmity. Many Fellows’ projects address the social determinants of health, such as literacy, violence prevention, mental health/stress, and healthy lifestyles.

Fellowship:

Each Fellow provides at least 200 hours of service, separate from any existing clinical or fieldwork requirements for their respective university degree programs, or other paid work.

Fellows will design, implement, and evaluate their direct service projects designed to meet a community-defined need. The project should be of enduring value to the community partner.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with potential community partners before submitting their applications and to be specific in their proposals about their relationship with their community partner.

Fellows participate in leadership development and interprofessional learning as a cohort.

26 Fellows are selected annually in a competitive process.

Fellows receive a stipend of $2,750.

Chicago Schweitzer Fellows conduct their project with health centers, social service agencies, schools, community organizations, and nonprofits throughout Chicagoland, thereby helping the organizations expand their capacities.

Joint projects should include two applicants pursuing different disciplines.

Developing Leaders: Through their community projects and participation in a year-long program that includes mentoring support, in-person monthly meetings, written reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, Schweitzer Fellows are developing the skills and confidence needed to become Leaders in Service—professionals who will remain dedicated to public service and to creating systemic change.

After successfully completing their initial year, Fellows become members of a national Schweitzer Fellows for Life alumni network of over 4,000 Leaders in Service.

Organization: The Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellowship program is affiliated with the US Schweitzer Fellowship Chapters Collaborative and is administered by Health & Medicine Policy Research Group, a Chicago nonprofit organization that works to improve the health of all people in Illinois by promoting health equity. The Fellows’ work is entirely funded through contributions from local foundations, individuals, and academic institutions.

A Note on Artificial Intelligence (AI): You may use AI tools to assist with brainstorming or drafting ideas but completed essay responses must be written in your own words. Applications submitted as raw or fully AI-generated text will not reflect the personal reflection and community context we look for in Fellows.

Please contact us if you encounter any technical difficulties with the form.

Karol Dean, Program Director: kdean@hmprg.org, 312 372 4292 x31

Tanicia Burns, Program Coordinator: tburns@hmprg.org

Applications must be received no later than February 1, 2027, 11:59pm CT.

First name

Last name

Preferred Email

We send your confirmation and resume link here.

Demographic Information

Address

Street address

Address line 2

City

State

ZIP Code

Phone Number

What are your pronouns?

e.g., he/him, she/her, they/them

Academic Information

Will you be enrolled in a degree-granting graduate program at least through December 2027?

What year will you be in your degree program during the 2027-28 academic year?

Include the length of your program, e.g., 3rd year of 4 years.

When is your expected graduation date?

University Name:

Discipline:

Degree Program:

Are you a dual degree student?

Please list other school, discipline, degree program, and expected graduation date:

The Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program rarely selects joint applications. Are you submitting a joint application with another applicant?

Students seeking to submit a joint Fellowship project proposal must contact the Program Director before submitting their applications. Joint applicants should be from two academic disciplines. If you are submitting a joint application, list your project partner's name:

Fellows are expected to participate in Fellowship activities throughout the year (May 1, 2027 - May 31, 2028). Completing the required 200+ hours of service and Fellowship activities will require an average commitment of 5–7 hours per week. Will you have any significant academic/clinical responsibilities during the Fellowship year that may interfere with your ability to participate in the Fellowship?

If yes, please describe:

Indicate any times you anticipate being out of the area for more than two consecutive weeks and/or unable to participate in Fellowship activities for reasons other than those listed above:

Please note that Fellows will have monthly evening meetings, typically held in person at our Chicago office. If selected, you are expected to attend these meetings.

Project and Community Information

Please note the suggested word counts below each answer field.

1. Please describe the health disparity or health concern in the community your project would address.

(Suggested word count: 150)

2. Who will your proposed project impact, and why is the health concern you identified important for this community? How would you include this community in your planning?

(Suggested word count: 150)

3. What is a proposed community agency that could host your project?

Indicate “TBD” if not yet identified.

Note: Developing a relationship with a community partner is a critical part of the project. While you do not need a finalized agreement to apply, applicants who have already begun building a relationship with a community partner can significantly strengthen their application.

Is there someone at the site that you have made contact with who might serve as a Site Mentor or who has been your site contact?

Name:

Job Title:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Has the representative above indicated to you that the organization welcomes your proposed project?

4. Please describe 1-2 potential interventions or collaborative projects that you might undertake with your proposed community. We know that these ideas might not be fully formed or might change in implementation. Please include the following information:

Project goals, and possible activities to meet these goals. The intended outcomes of your proposed project – how would the community be changed by this project? Potential challenges you anticipate might affect the intended outcomes. If you plan to continue an existing project, please propose how you might expand or build it. (Suggested word count: 500)

5. What evidence do you have that your proposed activities would address the health concern you identified in Question 1? For example, what community-based evidence, conversations with members of the community, or similar models have informed your project idea? If a link is available for the evidence you cite, please include within the text of your response.

(Suggested word count: 200, excluding references)

6. Bearing in mind that the majority of your service hours should be direct, face-to-face community service, how would you manage your time throughout the Fellowship year? Please account for how your academic work, clinical obligations, employment, student activities, and personal responsibilities will influence your schedule, and include a proposed start and end date.

Example: If you plan to meet weekly with your population throughout the year, how many meetings would be required to fulfill the direct service requirement? Be sure you have given some thought to the logistical aspects of this part of your project. (Suggested word count: 100)

7. We value an ongoing commitment to the communities served by Schweitzer Fellows. How might the project be sustained beyond your time as a Schweitzer Fellow?

(Suggested word count: 200)

Personal and Professional Information as it Relates to Fellowship Activities

8. We are interested in project ideas that would engage your passions. What inspired you to develop your project focus? Why do you care about this issue and what is your relationship with those who are impacted by it?

(Suggested word count: 200)

9. What are the areas of personal and/or professional growth you hope to develop during your Fellowship year?

(Suggested word count: 200)

10. What steps have you taken to further your knowledge or understanding about social justice, racial equity and/or historical roots of oppression? How will you apply and deepen your understanding as you implement the project and interact as a member of an interprofessional cohort?

(Suggested word count: 150)

11. Personal Statement: Please include anything about your personal and professional background that you would like to share with the selection committee.

Describe your personal characteristics that make you a strong candidate for the Schweitzer Fellowship. What skills or experience do you have that will support you in addressing the health disparity you have identified? Discuss your motivation for applying to the Schweitzer Fellowship and what you hope to gain from the Fellowship. (Suggested word count: 400)

12. We hope to attract a cohort of Fellows that represents a range of backgrounds. If you feel comfortable, please provide information about your identity, knowing that self-identification is completely voluntary.

Ethnic and Racial Background

Gender Identity

Sexual Orientation

References & Resume

13. We require applicants to provide contact information for three (3) references. Please do not submit letters of recommendation.

Note on References: Recommenders will be asked to complete a brief online form evaluating your reliability, ability to handle multiple commitments, collaboration skills, and how you navigate obstacles or constructive feedback. Please choose references who can speak directly to these qualities.

Reference 1: Academic Reference name (Proposed Faculty Mentor):

Name and title

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Please describe your relationship in one sentence:

Reference 2: Academic Reference name:

Name and title

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Please describe your relationship in one sentence:

Reference 3: Personal reference such as a volunteer supervisor (current or past), previous employer, or general personal reference name:

Reference 3: Name

Name and title

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Please describe your relationship in one sentence:

14. Attach a brief resume (no longer than 2 pages). Be sure to include previous community engagement experience.

Please name your file LastNameResume.pdf. PDF format, 10 MB maximum.

“Save & continue later” gives you a private link to finish your application any time before the deadline.

Chicago — Albert Schweitzer Fellowship

Application

Demographic Information

Academic Information

Project and Community Information

Please note the suggested word counts below each answer field.

Personal and Professional Information as it Relates to Fellowship Activities

References & Resume

Additional Information