U-CHaMP Scholars

Purpose
The need for specialized health care professionals continues to grow throughout Kansas and there is an increasing need for health professions graduates, especially those inspired to work in underserved and rural communities. Students selected for this program demonstrate a strong commitment to strengthening the health care workforce and a passion for reducing health disparities in underserved communities throughout Kansas. Students from underserved backgrounds help support the cultural competency of the healthcare workforce.

U-CHaMP Mission
To provide a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all students to achieve their academic goals.

U-CHaMP Vision
To empower students to embrace cultural competency and choose to work in underserved communities.

Award
The U-CHAMP Scholars Scholarship will be given to SHP students who meet the prescribed criteria and best exemplify the qualities of supporting underserved communities. Recipients may receive up to a maximum of $10,000 per academic year and awards are dependent on available funds and the number of qualified applicants. Past recipients of this award are welcome to re-apply, if in good academic standing, for up to a maximim of two (2) years.

Preference will be given to students who graduated from a Kansas high school and who have a desire to practice in Kansas upon program completion.

To apply for the U-CHaMP Scholars Scholarship, you must meet all the following criteria:

1. Currently enrolled or planning to enroll SHP student who will be enrolled in the 2026-2027 academic year.

2. Meet the underserved student criteria including at least one of the following:

• Economically Underserved: The family’s annual income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level per Health and Human Services guidelines. (Example: A family of four cannot earn more than $62,400 per year.)
• Educationally Underserved:
  a. First Generation College Student (A parent did not graduate from a four-year college or university)
  b. Student graduated from a high school that met other underserved standards, such as the number of students eligible for free and reduced lunches.

3. Agree to be an active participant in the U-CHaMP program by:

• Participating in activities to learn about underserved and rural populations, assist with recruiting events, provide peer mentorship to U-CHaMP Ambassadors, along with other activities. (A full list of expectations can be found at www.kumc.edu/uchamp)
• Participating in U-CHaMP asynchronous learning modules and a live, virtual discussion.
• Completing pre- and post-surveys.

Candidates may be interviewed. A decision will be made by July 31st with awards being distributed in Fall 2026/Spring 2027. Please note that this scholarship will be awarded through Student Financial Aid and completing the FAFSA or other required documents is required.

Students who receive this scholarship award will be required to be active in the U-CHaMP program. Upon earning an award, students will attend a virtual orientation session outlining program participation requirements and expectations. For a complete list of program activities, please visit www.kumc.edu/uchamp.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss eligibility, contact Angie Huber via email at ahuber9@kumc.edu