Build practical skills
Join structured training in health navigation, facilitation, leadership, and clear communication. You learn the same approach our staff use in the Medical Access Program.
New College Fellows Leadership Program
Get paid to lead in community health while you are still in college
A paid fellowship for Central Texas undergraduates who want real experience, real mentorship, and a real impact on Austin families. No health background required. Just a heart to serve and the drive to grow.
Have questions first? Request information from our team.
C2H
Community Health Leadership Fellowship
College Fellow
- Stipend
- $500 / month
- Term
- Academic year + summer
- Open to
- Central Texas undergrads
- Experience
- None required
Is this you?
You might be a great fellow if...
- You are enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in Central Texas.
- You want work experience that means something, not just a line on a resume.
- People count on you, and you show up when you say you will.
- You like helping others figure things out.
- You are curious about how health, community, and leadership connect.
Open to students on many paths
Students on these paths are especially encouraged to apply:
- Health
- Education
- Nonprofit leadership
- Ministry
- Public service
No prior health experience is needed. We look for reliability, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to serving others.
The role
Train
Serve
Mentor
Three things fellows do
Fellows are selected, trained, mentored, and paid as emerging leaders. The work is real and it matters to the families C2H serves.
Help real families
Put your skills to work at outreach activities and health events, and help people find trusted health information and community health resources in Austin.
Lead the next generation
In summer, lead sessions for high school students in the six-week Summer Leadership Program as a near-peer mentor.
A year as a fellow
What your fellowship looks like, season by season
Getting started
Onboarding and training
Complete onboarding, meet your cohort, and begin structured training.
During the school year
Learn and serve
Cohort meetings, professional development sessions, outreach, and health events, with ongoing mentorship.
Summer, 6 weeks
Mentor and lead
Facilitate interactive sessions on wellness, health systems, and leadership for high school students.
Beyond the fellowship
Carry it forward
Leave with paid experience, practical skills, and relationships that last beyond the program.
Fellow stipend
$500/month
Paid during the fellowship period, covering both the academic-year and summer parts of the program.
Why we pay fellows
Because your time and talent are worth it
Too many students have to choose between a paycheck and a meaningful opportunity. The stipend removes that barrier, so you can focus on building skills, serving your community, and growing as a leader. It recognizes the time, responsibility, and contribution each fellow brings.
Support that goes beyond pay
- Professional mentorship and leadership coaching
- Resume building and workforce-ready experience
- Training in health navigation, facilitation, and communication
- Exposure to careers in health care, nonprofits, education, ministry, and public service
Where these skills lead
Skills you build now, careers you can grow into
Texas faces a major health workforce shortage, with a projected gap of more than 57,000 full-time registered nurses by 2032, according to the Texas Hospital Association. Community-centered leaders are needed in every part of the field. Here is how fellowship skills carry into different paths.
| Skill you build | What it looks like in the fellowship | Where it leads |
|---|---|---|
| Health navigation | Helping people find and understand health information and resources | Health care, public health, social work |
| Facilitation | Leading summer sessions for high school students | Teaching, training, youth ministry |
| Communication | Explaining health topics clearly and with cultural respect | Community health, nonprofit leadership |
| Community engagement | Working outreach events and building relationships | Public service, advocacy, program management |
From Trainee to Trainer: Vincent's StoryC2H Texas on YouTube
Hear from a fellow
From learning the work to leading it
Watch Vincent share his journey from trainee to trainer. Stories like his show what this program is built to do: turn curious students into confident community health leaders.
You will learn from experienced leaders along the way. Meet the C2H team who guide every cohort.
Honest expectations
What we ask of every fellow
This is a real leadership role. Before you apply, make sure you can commit to the following. Exact schedules are shared during the interview or information session.
- Show upAttend training, cohort meetings, and professional development sessions.
- ServeTake part in outreach activities and community health events.
- MentorLead and support high school students during the six-week summer program.
- GrowStay open to feedback and committed to learning.
Apply now
Your path to becoming a fellow
- Submit the interest form. It is short. Share a little about yourself and why you want to serve.
- Meet with us. Selected applicants join a brief interview or information session.
- Get your decision. Accepted fellows receive official notice and next steps.
- Onboard and train. Complete onboarding and begin structured training.
- Start leading. Your fellowship experience officially begins.
Questions
College fellow FAQ
Still have questions? We would love to hear from you.
Who can apply?
Enrolled undergraduate students at colleges and universities in Central Texas. If you are not sure whether your school qualifies, contact us.
Do I need to be a health major?
No. Students interested in health, education, nonprofit leadership, ministry, or public service are especially encouraged to apply, and no prior health experience is required.
How much do fellows earn?
Fellows receive a $500 monthly stipend during the fellowship period, including the academic-year and summer parts of the program.
How much time does the fellowship take?
Fellows attend training, cohort meetings, outreach activities, and the six-week summer program. The exact schedule is reviewed with you during the interview or information session.
Will this help my career?
Yes. You gain paid, resume-building leadership experience, professional mentorship, and skills that apply across health care, nonprofits, education, ministry, and public service.
What happens after I submit the interest form?
Selected applicants are invited to a brief interview or information session to review expectations, commitments, and program goals.
Your community needs leaders like you
Take the first step toward a paid role that grows your skills and serves Austin families.
Fund a fellow
Stipends make this health equity program in Texas possible. Choose the Education category when you give to support college fellows. Learn more about the full Community Health Leadership Fellowship.
Donate