Applications are Now Open for the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity Fellowship 2026/2027 (Fully Funded)

Application Deadline: March 18, 2026

Applications are now open for the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity Fellowship 2026/2027, a fully funded leadership program empowering early to mid-career professionals to drive change in health and social justice around the world.

At a time when the world faces growing inequalities in access to healthcare, this prestigious program offers a life-changing opportunity for emerging leaders to join a global movement advancing health equity—the principle that everyone deserves a fair chance to live a healthy life, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography.

This fellowship unites professionals across diverse sectors — from healthcare and academia to law, business, arts, and social enterprise — to collaborate on tackling systemic challenges that impact health outcomes globally. For African changemakers and health innovators, it’s a chance to gain world-class training, global exposure, and the networks needed to scale impact at home and beyond.

About the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity Program

The Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity program, hosted by the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, is one of seven interconnected Atlantic Fellows programs supported by the Atlantic Institute. Its mission is to build a global community of leaders dedicated to eliminating health disparities and promoting fairness in health access and outcomes.

The fellowship brings together professionals from multiple fields — including medicine, journalism, law, urban planning, education, government, and community development — to learn, collaborate, and design practical solutions to health inequities. Through a blend of academic learning, experiential engagement, mentorship, and cross-sector collaboration, fellows gain the tools to influence policies and lead transformative projects in their communities.

Each year, a select group of fellows joins a lifelong network of global leaders who share a commitment to improving well-being and justice worldwide.

Program Benefits – What Fellows Receive

Selected participants in the 2026/2027 cohort will receive:

• Full funding for all educational and travel expenses related to the fellowship
• In-person convenings throughout the year (approximately four weeks in total)
• Online learning curriculum including biweekly classes, team-based projects, and peer mentoring
• One-on-one coaching and leadership development sessions
• Access to a global network of health equity leaders and mentors
• Opportunities to design and advance a personal or institutional project that tackles real-world health inequities

By the end of the fellowship year, participants emerge with strengthened leadership capacity, sharper analytical skills, and a cross-sectoral perspective that equips them to drive systemic change in their fields.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship targets early to mid-career professionals from any discipline who are passionate about creating equitable health systems and communities. Applicants should:

• Be engaged in health-related work (not necessarily limited to healthcare delivery)
• Hold a current or potential leadership role in their organization or community
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to reducing health disparities
• Value diversity, collaboration, and interdisciplinary perspectives
• Be proficient in English

This program particularly welcomes applicants from low- and middle-income countries, including across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, who bring firsthand experience addressing health inequities in underrepresented settings.

Program Expectations

Fellows are expected to:

• Participate in all in-person convenings and virtual learning sessions
• Dedicate 12–16 hours per month to fellowship activities
• Engage in team-based assignments and peer mentoring
• Submit project updates and contribute to the fellowship community

Application Process

Applicants must complete several components to be considered for selection:

• Online Application Form – Submit basic demographic and professional information.
• Short Answer Questions – Describe your leadership motivation, impact so far, and project idea.
• Video Responses – After submitting your written application, you’ll receive a link to record short video answers.
• Employer Support Form – Must be completed by a direct supervisor confirming support for your participation.
• Two Letters of Recommendation – At least one from a current or past supervisor.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Résumé.

Application Timeline

• February 18, 2026: Applications open
• February 25, 2026: Informational webinar Register Here
• March 18, 2026: Application deadline (11:59 p.m. EDT)
• April – May 2026: Application review
• June 2026: Interviews
• Late July 2026: Final selection and notifications

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated on:

• Strength and clarity of their statement of interest
• Demonstrated leadership potential and past accomplishments
• Relevance and quality of their proposed project
• Strength of recommendation letters and employer endorsement

Why You Should Apply

Health disparities remain one of the world’s most urgent social challenges — and solving them requires leaders who think beyond borders and professions. The Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity Fellowship provides not just academic knowledge but also the leadership mindset and networks needed to create systemic change.

For early- and mid-career professionals from Africa and beyond, this is more than a fellowship — it’s a gateway to global collaboration, learning, and lifelong impact. Fellows become part of a dynamic community that continues to collaborate long after the program ends, opening doors to new partnerships, funding, and influence.

Pro Tip for Applicants:
Take time to craft a compelling statement of purpose that clearly connects your personal journey, your leadership vision, and the project you hope to advance. Be specific about the health equity challenge you’re addressing and how your participation will amplify your impact.

Conclusion

If you’re passionate about building fairer, healthier communities — whether through medicine, policy, education, or advocacy — this fellowship is your opportunity to make lasting change. Don’t wait until the last minute; prepare your documents early and apply by March 18, 2026.

Join the growing network of global leaders shaping the future of health equity.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE