Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars program at Howard UniversityPlease pass this on to those who might be able to take advantage of this opportunity.Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars program at Howard University.*Washington, D.C.* - The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation has begun accepting applications for participation in the 2007 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program. Operated in partnership with Howard University, the Scholars Program brings talented African American, Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander college seniors and recent graduates to Washington, D.C., for placement in congressional offices to learn about health policy.The application deadline for the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program is 5:00pm ET on December 15, 2006.Through the nine-week program (May 21- August 3, 2007), Scholars gain knowledge about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills. In addition to gaining experience in a congressional office, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits to augment their knowledge of health care issues, and write and present a health policy research paper.The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation established the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program at Howard University to honor the legacy of former Foundation Trustee and Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and to expand the pool of students of color interested in the field of health policy.As a member of the United States Congress and the Texas State Legislature, Barbara Jordan had a distinguished career exemplified by her tireless advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations. She brought this passion to her work, inspiring others to become involved in addressing challenging health policy issues."The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program is an exceptional opportunity for talented students to gain firsthand experience on Capitol Hill, learn about critical policy issues and undertake in-depth policy analysis projects," Foundation President and CEO Drew E. Altman said. "I encourage all qualified students to apply to be a part of this exceptional congresswoman' s legacy as they prepare to take on leadership roles in the health policy arena."Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who will be seniors or recent graduates of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2007. Currently enrolled law, medical, and graduate students are not eligible for participation in the program.Candidates are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, and interest in health policy. Scholars receive approximately $7,500 in support, which includes a stipend, a daily expense allowance, airfare, and lodging during their time in Washington.Application materials are available online at: www.bjscholars. orghttp://www.bjscholars.org/ If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program Manager, Jomo Kassaye at (202) 238-2385 or http://us.f523.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=jzkassaye%40howard.edu; http://us.f523.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=jzkassaye%40howard.edu.If you need more information about the administration of the program or have other questions that are not directly related to the completion of application materials, please contact the Program Director, Cara V. James, Ph.D., at (202) 347-5270 or http://us.f523.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=cjames%40kff.org < href="http://us.f523.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=cjames%40kff.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">cjames@kff.org.The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation is an independent, national health philanthropy dedicated to providing information and analysis on health issues to policymakers, the media and the general public. The Foundation is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries.