Empowered Scholars Program

Scholarships for future leaders in health equity who are making a difference in their communities today

The 2024 application window is open!

head shots of three 2022 EmPOWERED Scholars arranged in a graphical pattern

What is the Empowered Scholars Program?

The Empowered Scholars program 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.

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Over $200k

in scholarships has been given by the American Heart Association since 2018.

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39

scholars representing more than 20 different colleges and universities have benefited from EmPOWERED Scholars to date.

Three

generous financial funders, Wendy Zheng, Woman’s Heart Coalition and Becton Dickinson will support Empowered Scholars this year.

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

More AHA Scholarship Programs

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

HBCU Scholars Program

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 Program

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.

Sure Scholars Program

Three underrepresented students - two females one male - from Boston University - SURE scholars

 
A unique summer research program for underrepresented college students interested in stem careers.