Salk Health Activist Fellowship

Health Advocacy for a Pivotal Moment

As Pennsylvania enters a pivotal gubernatorial election season and policymakers debate the future of Medicaid, healthcare funding, and social services, the decisions made today will shape health outcomes for years to come. For future healthcare leaders, understanding how policy affects health is no longer optional, it is essential.

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation invites graduate students and early-career professionals in health-related fields to apply for the 2026 Salk Health Activist Fellowship. This year's fellowship will focus on the Social Determinants of Health—the social, economic, and environmental conditions that influence health long before a person enters a doctor's office.

At a time when housing affordability, food insecurity, transportation access, economic opportunity, and healthcare coverage are increasingly at the center of public debate, fellows will examine how policy decisions translate into real-world health outcomes. As federal and state leaders implement changes to Medicaid and other programs that support vulnerable populations, healthcare professionals need the knowledge and skills to advocate for policies that improve community wellbeing and reduce health disparities.

Through expert-led discussions, policy analysis, storytelling, and collaborative projects, fellows will explore how social determinants shape health across Pennsylvania and beyond. Participants will gain practical skills in advocacy, systems thinking, coalition-building, and public engagement while learning from leaders working at the intersection of healthcare, policy, and community change.

The Salk Health Activist Fellowship prepares emerging leaders to move beyond awareness and become effective advocates for healthier communities. Fellows will join a growing network of changemakers committed to translating evidence, lived experience, and professional expertise into meaningful action.

The challenges facing our communities are urgent, and so is the need for informed, engaged health leaders.

Apply now and help shape the future of health in Pennsylvania.

WHEN & WHERE

Dates: Wednesdays; September 9 – November 4

Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location: 625 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

The fellowship this will be in-person, and anyone unable to attend weekly in-person sessions in downtown Pittsburgh should not apply.

Dinner is provided during sessions.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Graduate students or early-stage professionals in a health-related profession (including but not limited to medicine, health policy, healthcare administration, nursing, pharmacy, social work, law, occupational therapy, ethics, health informatics/tech, nonprofit management, nutrition) that are passionate about social change.

The cost to participate in the Salk Health Activist Fellowship program is fully covered for accepted applicants.

Applications will open in summer 2026 for the next Salk Health Activist Fellowship.

TO APPLY

Please complete the online application, which requests a personal statement, resume, and letter of reference

QUESTIONS?

Please reach out to our team at fellowship@jhf.org.

Salk Health Activist Fellowship Open House / Q&A Sessions

Join us on either Tuesday, July 14 at 12:00 noon ET or Monday, July 20 at 4:00pm ET for an informal virtual open house to learn more about this summer's fellowship and answer any of your questions.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Listen to short testimonies from past Salk Health Activist Fellows: