Apply to join MCH LEAP

Applications will open January 13th for our 2025-2026 cohort!

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be a full-time USC undergraduate student
  2. Must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 or greater
  3. Must meet one of the following criteria:
    1. Self-identified as African American/Black
    2. Self-identified as Hispanic/Latinx
    3. First generation to attend college regardless of race/ethnicity.
    4. Eligible for the Pell Grant or Gamecock Guarantee regardless of race/ethnicity
Click here to apply!

Learn more about the program by viewing our introduction video.

Application Materials

  • Cover letter
  • Current resume
  • Unofficial USC transcripts (if you are an incoming Freshman, please provide a copy of your high school transcripts)
  • Letter of Recommendation (mandatory for Innovator II and Emerging Scholar applicants; optional but recommended for all other applicants)

Trainee Tracks

To meet the different education needs or stages of career planning for students, trainees will be enrolled into the MCH LEAP program according to the anticipated program hours that the prospective trainees are able to spend in the academic year. Trainees are encouraged to re-enroll into our program if they are non-Seniors, but the maximum duration that a trainee can stay in our program is 4 years.

 

Learner

SHORT TERM TRACK

HOURS REQUIRED: <40

The Learner is the lowest track level for the MCH LEAP program. The Learner’s primary objective is to begin the process of exploring maternal and child health topics and what MCH careers are out there. This track is best for those who don’t have as much time to commit to the program, or for those who are unsure what they want to do in MCH.

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Innovator Level 1

MEDIUM TERM I TRACK

HOURS REQUIRED: 40-149

The Innovator Level 1 is the second level in the MCH LEAP program. The Innovator Level 1’s primary objective is to explore their more specific interests in maternal and child health and grow their overall MCH knowledge. Innovator Level 1 is best for those seeking moderate commitment and who have a general idea of what they want to pursue in MCH.

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Innovator Level 2

MEDIUM TERM II TRACK

HOURS REQUIRED: 150-299

The Innovator Level 2 is the second highest track in the MCH LEAP program. At this level, students’ primary objective is to focus on their specifc career or educational goals in maternal and child health. The Innovator Level 2 is best for those seeking moderate to high commitment, and for those who have a strong idea of what they want to pursue in MCH.

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Emerging Scholar

LONG TERM TRACK

HOURS REQUIRED: >300

The Emerging Scholar is the highest level and most competitive track in the MCH LEAP program. The Emerging Scholar is reserved for upperclassman who have a detailed plan for what they want to pursue in MCH and are prepared to offer a higher level of time commitment. This level is for students who want to dedicate their futures to maternal and child health and desire to expand their experience in research and practical MCH knowledge.

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Mandatory Program Activities
  • Monthly Dinner Seminars
  • Spring Summit (one day event)
  • Classroom and Online Learning
  • One-on-One Mentoring
  • Complete MCH Navigator Assessement
Recommended Activities to Complete Program Hours
  • Job shadowing (>3 hours)
  • Online learning (10-50 hours)
  • Capstone Project (PUBH 498, 3 credits) (50 hours)
  • Internship at MCH or healthcare organizations (50-150 hours)
  • MCH-related courses (150 hours)
  • Mentored research project (50-200 hours)
  • Community service project (100-300 hours)
  • Attending conferences and/or presentations (>3 hours)
  • Scholarship applications (Magellan, leadership) (10-50 hours)
  • Job applications / interviews / resume preparation (10-20 hours)
  • Prepare for graduate school applications (10-30 hours)