Join Over 4,000 Fellows For Life
Schweitzer Fellows for Life form a powerful alumni network that extends the impact and influence on community and clinical health in the United States and across the globe. They are committed to creating systemic change in health care services and policies that will promote health equity and treat all people with dignity and compassion.
The NC Albert Schweitzer Fellowship is a one-year interdisciplinary, mentored fellowship program focused on health-related community service and leadership development. The mission of the US Schweitzer Fellows program is to prepare the next generation of professionals to serve and empower vulnerable people to live healthier lives and create healthier communities. To accomplish this, the Fellows learn how to:
$3000 Stipend: Fellows receive a $3,000 stipend which may be for in any way they wish including personal expenses or project related costs. Students who pair split the $3,000 stipend and the service hour requirement.
National Network: Upon successful competition of the initial Fellowship year, Fellows become part of an alumni network of Fellows for Life – an interdisciplinary pipeline of professionals who are dedicated to and skilled in meeting the health needs of vulnerable communities.
Schweitzer Fellows focus on health as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO): a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Rooted in this holistic understanding of health, Schweitzer projects address not only clinical health issues, but also the social determinants of health-defined by the WHO as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and which are mostly responsible for health inequities.
Graduate students enrolled in a NC degree-grant program in a health professional field may apply. In certain cases, students can apply on their own or with another graduate health professional student. Applicants must be enrolled at the time of application through the close of the Fellowship year the following May. Contact the Fellowship for specific eligibility details before applying.
Fellows design and carry out a health-related direct service project of at least 200 hours in collaboration with a local community agency under the leadership of a site supervisor and academic mentor of the student’s choice. Fellows receive training in project development and evaluation. A minimum of 150 hours is to be spent in direct contact with community members. The remaining 50 hours are for planning time and other project activities. The hours requirement is separate from any school course requirement. Fellows who conduct a paired project split the hours and the $3000 stipend.
Fellows can conduct new projects that are of interest to an agency and community, or build upon an existing program. For inspiration, visit Fellows + Projects and Fellow Videos.
Students are encouraged to contact the Fellowship to discuss potential project ideas prior to formally submitting their application.
In the event public health guidelines do not permit in person events, events will be held virtually.
Service Project: Fellows design and carry out a health-related direct service project of at least 200 hours in collaboration with a local community agency under the leadership of a site supervisor and academic mentor of the student’s choice. The 200 hours is separate from any school course requirement. Fellows who conduct a paired project split the hours and the stipend proportionately.
Retreats: Fellows attend an overnight orientation April 12-13, 2025 in Davidson, NC which is a mandatory requirement. Fellows also attend a mid-year retreat in the fall and participate in monthly virtual webinars. Partners in a paired project are both required to be present at all the events.
Celebration of Service: Fellows attend a Celebration of Service Luncheon honoring current Fellows and introducing new Fellows on March 29, 2025 in Raleigh. Fellows also attend the event in March/April 2026. Partners in paired projects are both required to be present at the events.
Reports & Evaluations: Fellows submit monthly one-page reports and reflections about their activities; a written final report; a 2-minute video summarizing their project; and an evaluation about the Fellowship experience. Fellows also need to develop a verification strategy into their project design to determine if their project is successful and on target in meeting goals.
Recruitment: In the fall of the fellowship year, Fellows organize an information session on their Fellowship experience at their school.
Op-Ed: We hold an op-ed writing workshop and Fellows are required to write an op-ed article to hone their skills as a health care advocate for vulnerable populations.
Video: We provide training in creating a 90-second video to showcase your project. At the end of the Fellowship year, Fellows are to create a 90-second video.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an information session before completing an application and contact the Program Director to get feedback on their proposal. Contact the Program Director for the date of the session at your university.
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Applicants chosen to interview will be notified in mid-February. Interviews are held February 21 and 22 and are conducted virtually.
Applications for fellowship are due February 1, 2025, 5 pm.
Yes, the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship is an interdisciplinary program and diversity of thought and perspectives will enrich the experience for each class of Fellows. In addition to medicine, past Fellows have been students in such fields as dentistry, education, law, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, divinity, psychology, pharmacy, business, and more. We think expansively about health and realize that there are so many factors that contribute to the health and well-being of our communities. Please check with the Executive Director for specific eligibility requirements.
Schweitzer Fellows focus on health as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO): a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Rooted in this holistic understanding of health, Schweitzer projects address not only clinical health issues, but also the social determinants of health—defined by the WHO as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, and which are mostly responsible for health inequities. The options are broad to allow your interests and creativity to lead you to a project that will have impact.
“Underserved” is any group that is at risk for or is experiencing compromised health or physical, social, or well-being. Any group of people that you can conceive of who has difficulty receiving quality health care and other needs that impact their health and wellbeing could be considered underserved.
“Direct service” means working directly with any group that is at risk for or is experiencing compromised health.
You can complete your 200 hours of service during the Fellowship year that fits your academic schedule. The 50 hours of planning time can begin once you are awarded the Fellowship. The 150 direct service hours can begin once you have a project description form approved by the Fellowship, the community supervisor and the academic mentor. Some Fellows complete all of their direct service hours over several months and some spread them out over the entire year. It is up to you and what your project entails. We do encourage spreading the hours as much as possible to have enough time to overcome any unforeseen roadblocks or delays.
Students can lead the project on their own or partner with another graduate student. One exception is below. Students who pair split the stipend and the hours. Each partner is to fulfill all program requirements and participate in all Fellowship activities.
AHEC Schweitzer Fellows are required to be an interdisciplinary pair of graduate students.
Yes, the orientation is a firm requirement. If you already know you cannot make it, please do not apply for the Fellowship.
A hallmark of the Schweitzer Fellowship is regular contact with other Fellows. In addition to the Orientation Retreat, all Fellows are to attend the Celebration of Service at the beginning and end of the year, and virtual monthly webinars.
We view the Fellowship experience as an important opportunity for learning, whether someone has already done a lot of community work or very little. Experience is not a requirement for the Fellowship, but in your personal statement we’d like for you to explain how your background and skills have helped prepare you to do community outreach work, and what motivates you to make such a serious commitment. The Program’s mentors and Program staff provide ample support to Fellows so that everyone who is passionate about providing service can do so.
No, we do not allow Fellows to use their Schweitzer project for credit within their curriculum. However, you may build upon the work you are doing at your university. The Fellowship is meant to be an enhancement to your educational experience that enables you to develop your abilities as a leader in community service. Although it may take a lot of time to fulfill both your Fellowship and academic requirements, it is an enriching and empowering experience to lead a community initiative separate from your academic requirements