Generation Health.

Overview

The Career and Practicum Office recognizes that many graduate students face financial constraints that make it difficult to pursue unpaid practicum opportunities, thereby limiting the range of experiences available to them during their master’s program.

Generation Health provides financial support to students pursuing unpaid internships with nonprofits, NGOs, governmental bodies, public health agencies, and other organizations focused on improving health outcomes locally and globally. As a practice-based school of public health, BUSPH is committed to fostering experiential learning that prepares graduates for success in the professional public health landscape.

Award Information for Students

MPH students may receive up to $5,000—equivalent to $20 per hour for 240 hours of practicum work. To qualify, students must:

  • Be currently enrolled at BUSPH and in good academic standing;
  • Plan to secure an unpaid practicum of at least 240 hours during the applicable semester;
  • Demonstrate financial need.

    Expectations & Eligibility

    While a practicum site does not need to be confirmed at the time of application, students must clearly articulate their proposed role and the type of host organization (e.g., nonprofit, NGO, governmental or public health agency, start-up). All standard BUSPH Practicum requirements, policies, and procedures apply.

    Eligible applicants include all in-person MPH students—domestic, international, and dual-degree—planning to complete a traditional unpaid practicum of 240+ hours (not fulfilled through course equivalency or another program). Students are not eligible if:

    • They are employed full time and completing the practicum at their place of work;
    • They are part-time MPH students;
    • They began the practicum in a prior semester.

    Eligible Practicum Start Dates by Semester:

    • Spring: Must begin on or before April 1
    • Summer: Must begin on or before August 1
    • Fall: Must begin on or before November 1

    Application & Review Timeline – 2025:

    • Spring Cycle: November 13 – December 13
    • Summer Cycle: January 21 – February 21
    • Fall Cycle: TBD

    Applications are reviewed blindly by student representatives who have previously completed their practicum. Notifications will be sent within 2–3 weeks after the cycle closes.

    Award Disbursement Requirements
    Recipients must provide a letter on official letterhead from the practicum employer stating the position is unpaid or indicating any partial compensation.

    • Any stipend received from the employer will be deducted from the BUSPH award.
    • If the practicum later becomes paid (by the employer or a third party), the student must decline the Generation Health funding.
    • Funds will only be released once the practicum has been fully approved through the portal.
    • Students who have already borrowed up to the federal cost of attendance will have the award used to reduce their loan amount instead of receiving disbursed funds.

    Tax Information

    • Generation Health awards are considered taxable income.
    • Domestic students will receive a 1098 in January for the preceding tax year.
    • International students are subject to a 14% tax, charged to their student account in March.

    For detailed tax information, visit the Payroll Office website. For additional questions, email: nrapay@bu.edu.

    For assistance with the application process, please contact sphpract@bu.edu.

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