Empowered Scholars Program

Scholarships for future leaders in health equity who are making a difference in their communities today
headshots of three 2023 EmPOWERED Scholars arranged in a graphical pattern

What is the Empowered Scholars Program?

The American Heart Association Scholars – Empowered Scholars awards scholarships to enrolled undergraduate students who volunteer in their communities to use toward their education expenses. Scholars give their time to community-based organizations, student-led organizations and other groups that address food insecurity, safe housing, job opportunities, access to health care and other conditions that can result in health disparities.

In addition to the financial aid, EmPOWERED Scholars are invited to participate in speaking engagements and media opportunities arranged by the American Heart Association.

$70k
in stipends to be awarded in 2024
red ribbon icon
25
colleges and universities across the country represented since 2018
red heart icon
49
EmPOWERED Alumni have completed the AHA Scholars Program

AHA Scholars Program

Looking for other scholarship opportunities? Check out these additional American Heart Association Scholars groups.

HBCU Scholars

Group of student attendees at the 2022 AHA HBCU Scholar Program Awards (© Larry McCormack
 
Helping students at historically Black colleges and universities work toward professional degrees in the biomedical and health sciences.

HSI Scholars

A group of AHA's Hispanic Serving Institutions Scholars Program 2021 scholars
 
Partnering with Hispanic-serving institutions and their students to create a pipeline for diverse researchers and health care professionals.

NHLCC Scholars

A group of NHLCC scholars standing in front of the AHA's life-size heart and torch sculpture.
 
Championing equity in health and health care by supporting emerging leaders in the National Hispanic Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative.

Sure Scholars

Three underrepresented students - two females one male - from Boston University - SURE scholars
 
A unique summer research program for underrepresented college students interested in stemm careers.
a collage of the 2023 EmPOWERED Scholars headshots on a red and black gradient background
a collage of the 2023 EmPOWERED Scholars headshots on a red and black gradient background

EmPOWERED Scholars Past and Present

Access to education is a key factor in building better health equity across the country. Learn more about our current scholars and alumni.
 
The American Heart Association is committed to investing in new research programs and grants focused on science-based solutions to health inequities and structural racism. Through initiatives like EmPOWERED Scholars, the Association seeks to expand diversity-research opportunities for underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in science and medicine.

Hear from these EmPOWERED Scholars Alumni

Ngoc Vuong

2020 Scholar

Ngoc created Healing Kansas, a grassroots initiative addressing health equity issues through art, storytelling and civic engagement. The group produced Not Only You, a short film on the impact of addiction on families. Ngoc has been recognized by the Kansas Senate and was invited by the Kansas Prevention Collaborative to create a statewide, student-led health coalition.

Presley LeGrande

2020 Scholar

Presley founded Team Gemini, the first competitive cheerleading team for athletes with disabilities in the South Bay area. The team provides an outlet for kids who often lack access to youth sports. Routines are adapted for the different abilities of the team’s 16 athletes, who practice twice a week and participate in conditioning classes to improve their strength and coordination.

Sierra Williams-McLeod

2020 Scholar

Sierra co-founded Hampton University’s Pirate Pantry, a student-led effort providing free food and hygiene products to students in need. Now, Sierra is partnering with the Virginia Food Bank to create a food pantry. HU Pirate Pantry improves the health of the community by reducing food waste, relieving hunger and promoting good nutrition.

Contact Us

If you would like more information about the American Heart Association’s EmPOWERED Scholars Program, please reach out. We'd love to hear from you!

Email our team