• Application Deadline: Oct. 4, 2024 

• Informational Webinar: Sept. 11, 2024, 4:00 - 5:00 pm ESTvia Zoom (no registration required) »

• FAQ »

• Application »

We are pleased to announce recruitment for the 6th cohort of the SPARK Program. Students Participating as Ambassadors for Research in Kentucky (SPARK) is a dynamic collaboration between the Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation (CHET), the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS),  Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, and other university and philanthropic partners. The purpose of the SPARK program is to train a diverse cohort of undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds and communities to conduct impactful research to improve health disparities.

Students are introduced to community-engaged research focused on health disparities and receive extensive mentorship. Students identify a research topic, program leaders assist in identifying mentors, and students work with their mentors to develop a project. Students conduct this project in their home communities over the summer, receiving funds to support their research. After implementing the project, students meet with their mentors, undertake data analysis and write-up, and present and publish their research in professional settings.

Applications will be accepted until October 4, 2024. For questions please contact Ariel Arthur at ariel.arthur@uky.edu

Note: Freshmen applicants may include their most recent unofficial high school transcript.

WHO: 

Any undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University with at least two academic years left until graduation and a GPA of 2.8 or higher are invited to apply for SPARK. We seek talented students interested in developing research expertise and projects in health disparities/health equity. Students from underrepresented groups or disadvantaged backgrounds, as defined by the National Institutes of Health (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20- 031.html) are especially encouraged to apply. Due to the intensive nature of the SPARK Program, and to ensure students reap the most benefit from their experience, successful applicants who choose to accept the SPARK offer cannot participate simultaneously in other research training programs.

WHAT: 

Participants will be introduced to community- engaged research focused on health disparities and receive extensive mentorship. Students will identify a research topic, program leaders will assist in identifying mentors, and students will work with their mentorship team to develop a project. Students will conduct this project in their home communities over the summer, receiving funds to support this research. After implementing the project, participants will meet with their mentors, undertake data analysis and write-up, and present and publish their research in professional settings. It is expected that students will respond to any and all communication (email, calls, etc.), complete all assignments, and provide information promptly and professionally for the duration of the program. 

WHEN: 

Research training will begin in January 2025, with research data collection taking place May through August of 2025. Research activities will continue throughout academic year 2025-2026. All students will present their projects at the annual CCTS conference in April 2026.

WHERE: 

The SPARK program will take place primarily in person. Meetings and training sessions are both anticipated to occur at the Health Kentucky Research Building at the University of Kentucky. When necessary, remote options will be made available.

RESOURCES AND BENEFITS: 

Students will receive excellent research training, faculty and community mentorship, a $5,000 summer stipend, ample resources for their research project, and professional development opportunities.

APPLICATION INFORMATION: 

The application deadline is October 4, 2024. Please submit your application online at the following link: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_doLNfYKNpeaXPng The required application components include:

1. Resume, including GPA and major

2. Personal Statement (limited to two pages) outlining your interest in health equity research.In your personal statement, please consider the following prompt and address the following questions: 

   Health equity research plays a critical role in addressing disparities and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to the care and resources they need to achieve optimal health outcomes.

   a. What inspired you to pursue health equity research? 

   b. Discuss the potential impact of health equity research on communities and populations that have historically been marginalized or underserved. How do you envision contributing to this impact through your work? In responding to this prompt, clearly outline your specific health equity topic of interest (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular, substance use disorder, food insecurity, mental health, etc.) 

   c. Outline your career goals, specifically in the context of health equity. How do you plan to leverage your skills, knowledge, and passion to advance health equity? 

   Please limit your response to two pages, and feel free to include any personal experiences, academic pursuits, or professional goals that have influenced your interest in health equity research. 

3. Unofficial transcript (Freshmen applicants may include their most recent unofficial high school transcript)

4. A letter of support from one of your listed professional references.

For more information about SPARK and eligibility, please visit: https://medicine.uky.edu/centers/chet/spark-program and/or contact Ariel Arthur at ariel.arthur@uky.edu

Resume and cover letter resources: https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/stuckert-career-center/career-prep