Our communities need more Native public health professionals working to improve tribal health.

Our year-long Research Academy will introduce Indian/Alaska Native high school students to relatable public health topics and will conclude with a youth-driven community health project. The program includes an in-person kick-off week (in Portland, OR) and virtual learning sessions with role model guest speakers.

Applications for the 2025-2026 Academy will open in February 2025.

Academy Timeline

Program Dates:
June 2025 – May 2026

Location:
In-Person (Portland, OR) & Virtual

Apply By:
May 1, 2025

What's Involved?

Who is eligible?

Program Details

Site mentors/supervisor/parents will ideally host 2 students per site.
Students and mentors will participate in a week-long orientation with hands-on activities, campus tours, and field trips in Portland, OR.
Students will attend virtual learning sessions on Zoom (Time TBD) during the 2025-2026 school year.
Students who complete all program activities will receive a certificate of completion!

The program is designed for American Indian/Alaska Native youth (preferably juniors and seniors in high school). High schools, Tribal health and wellness programs, Indian Health Boards, or other programs serving AI/AN youth can serve as host sites. Site mentors are encouraged to recruit 2 local students who can work together on their community research project.

Financial Support

Host Sites

Selected site/mentors will receive $5,000 to cover the time and effort of mentors, and any other expenses associated with the project. Host sites will be paid $2,500 after the week-long orientation and $2,500 after their community health research project (April/May).

Students

Students will receive $2,000 to cover research-related expenses. Students will be paid $1,000 after attending the June in-person week and $1,000 before completion of their research project (Jan/Feb).

NW NARCH will cover the costs of travel to Portland, OR for the Kick-off Orientation.

Interested in Being a Host Site/Mentor?

You will be asked to complete a Site Application Form and share information about your location and student(s). 2025 Site Application Forms are not yet available.
Priority will be given to sites in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho who have 2 AI/AN high school juniors and seniors interested in participating. We will consider applications with fewer students and with younger students. We encourage you to apply!

Connect With Us

Sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number S06GM145214