Lead with purpose. Learn real skills. Lift your community.
C.H.L.F. is a paid, intergenerational leadership program that trains Central Texas college students in health navigation and outreach, then pairs them with high school students as near-peer mentors. It is one of the most hands-on health education programs in Travis County.
- $500monthly stipend for college fellows
- 6 weekssummer program for high schoolers
- Any majorno health experience needed
Real skills. Real service. Real community change.
Our services and programs focus on hands-on skill building, community engagement, and leadership readiness. The goal is simple: healthier families and stronger neighborhoods across Austin.
Watch this short video to see what it means to become a community health leadership fellow, then choose your path above or in the program breakdown below.
Explore the three program tracksThe Community Health Leadership Fellowship (C.H.L.F.)C2H Texas on YouTube
Texas needs more health leaders who come from the communities they serve
Many families in Austin's Eastern Crescent struggle to find care, understand their options, or trust the health system. People often trust health guidance most when it comes from someone who shares their background and speaks their language. That is the heart of culturally responsive health education.
C.H.L.F. grows those trusted messengers from within. College fellows learn the same navigation skills our staff use in the Medical Access Program. Then they teach younger students, who carry that knowledge home to their families. One fellowship reaches three generations.
One connected year of learning, service, and mentorship
College fellows train and serve
Structured training in health navigation, facilitation, and communication. Fellows put skills to work at outreach events and by helping people find health information and resources.
Fellows mentor high schoolers
Fellows lead interactive sessions on wellness, health systems, and leadership habits for high school participants.
A pipeline that keeps growing
Students gain confidence, fellows gain paid experience, and both leave ready for college, careers, and service.
Three ways to take part
Each track has its own role, schedule, and next step. Choose one to see the details.
Summer Leadership Program
Six weeks that turn summer break into a season of growth, led by college fellows who were recently in the same seat.
The summer program is where both sides of the fellowship meet. College fellows plan and facilitate each session, and high school students learn by doing. Topics build week by week, from personal wellness to how the health care system works to leading change in your own neighborhood. Learn more on the C.H.L.F. Summer Leadership Program page.
What participants explore
- Youth leadership development and healthy leadership habits
- Health literacy and wellness education
- How to understand and navigate health care systems
- Community responsibility and local leadership opportunities
New College Fellows Leadership Program
A paid, resume-building fellowship for undergraduates who want to lead in health, education, ministry, nonprofit work, or public service.
Fellows are selected, trained, mentored, and paid as emerging leaders. During the school year, you join cohort meetings, professional development sessions, and real outreach where you help people find health information with confidence. In summer, you step up as a mentor. The $500 monthly stipend exists so money is never the reason a talented student has to say no.
What you will gain
- Paid leadership experience you can put on your resume
- Training in health navigation, facilitation, and communication
- Mentorship and one-on-one leadership coaching
- Exposure to careers in health care, nonprofits, education, ministry, and public service
- Confidence guiding families to community health resources in Austin
High School Leadership Program
A place for high school students to find their voice, learn how health really works, and lead alongside mentors who get it.
High school participants tackle real community health challenges through hands-on activities, guided practice, and teamwork. They learn clear communication, basic health navigation, and how to build relationships that open doors. Most of all, they discover that leadership is something they can do right now, not someday.
What students gain
- Foundational knowledge of wellness and health care systems
- Personal responsibility and healthy leadership habits
- Confidence speaking up and working in a team
- Awareness of health issues in their own community
- A mentor relationship with a college student
What we ask, and what we give in return
We believe in being upfront. Here is exactly what college fellows commit to, and what C2H commits to them.
What fellows bring
- Reliable attendance at training and cohort meetings
- Participation in outreach activities and health events
- Mentoring high school students during the summer program
- A willingness to learn and a commitment to serving others
What C2H provides
- A $500 monthly stipend throughout the fellowship
- Professional mentorship and leadership coaching
- Hands-on training in health navigation and facilitation
- Workforce-aligned experience and resume support
Fellows learn from the leaders who built C2H's programs. Meet the C2H team behind the fellowship.
A look at what the weeks cover
- Weeks 1 and 2Building leaders and creating community impact
- Week 3Health care access, community change, and future leaders
- Week 4Understanding health care access and creating change
Want to see the fellows in action? Follow along with recaps, photos, and stories on our Articles page.
From interest form to fellowship in five steps
Apply
Submit a short interest form to share why you want to take part.
Meet
Selected applicants join a brief interview or information session.
Get accepted
Receive your official acceptance and next-step instructions.
Train
Complete onboarding and structured training.
Lead
Begin your fellowship experience in the community.
Invest in the next generation of community health leaders
Every stipend, training day, and summer session is funded by people who believe in young leaders. When you give, you help a college student serve without choosing between rent and purpose, and you help a teenager see a future in health.
- Fund a fellowGifts to the Education category support stipends and training.
- Mentor or hostProfessionals and partner sites can share their time and expertise. See more ways on our Get Involved page.
- Explore related programsC.H.L.F. is one of several community wellness programs in Austin run by C2H.
Fellowship FAQ
Still deciding? We are happy to talk it through.
Do I need to be a health or pre-med major?
No. Any enrolled undergraduate in Central Texas can apply. Students studying health, education, nonprofit leadership, ministry, or public service are especially encouraged.
How much are college fellows paid?
College fellows receive a $500 monthly stipend during the fellowship period, covering both the academic-year and summer parts of the program.
Does it cost anything for high school students?
Please contact us for current details about the high school program. Our goal is to keep it accessible for every family.
Who can nominate a high school student?
Teachers, counselors, pastors, coaches, parents, and community leaders can all submit a nomination through our online form.
What happens after I apply?
Selected applicants are invited to a short interview or information session. Accepted fellows then receive onboarding and training details.
Can my organization partner with C.H.L.F.?
Yes. We welcome guest speakers, mentors, and partner sites that can offer real-world learning. Contact us to start the conversation.
The next great community health leader might be you
Take the first step today, or help another young leader take theirs.