Rollins Earn and Learn Funding
Gain Experience. Get Paid.
Rollins Earn and Learn (REAL) is a signature program funded by Rollins that offers full-time MPH and MSPH students valuable opportunities to earn while they learn through applied public health experiences in real-world settings.
REAL Value
Gain Experience and Expert Mentorship
Beyond direct work experience, it is an opportunity for students to be mentored by public health professionals. Opportunities include federal, state, county, and other government agencies, as well as Emory-affiliated programs, for-profit, and nonprofit organizations throughout the Atlanta Metro Area. On occasion, remote work opportunities are available, making the reach of the program national.
Multi-Dimensional Experience
Hundreds of students are supported by REAL each year, connecting them with meaningful public health work opportunities. These integral experiences often fulfill applied practice experience requirements, lead to thesis opportunities, and provide an enriching experience for both partners and students.
REAL Earning
The REAL program provides recipients with the opportunity to earn up to $3,000 per semester. These awards are for fall and spring only. Funds are paid directly to students on a bi-weekly basis, depending on the number of hours worked.
Applying for REAL
To be eligible for REAL, domestic students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before February 1 (preferred deadline) to maximize the chances of receiving the award. Awards are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage students to complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available. Students will be notified of their award status when financial aid is packaged in mid/late spring. Students who receive a merit, mission, or institutional award are automatically awarded REAL. If awarded, a student will be able to view the award in the OPUS Student Center.
International students who are eligible to work can apply for REAL after they are admitted to the Rollins School of Public Health. Applications for the REAL award will be sent by the Office of Admission to all admitted international students. Students have the opportunity to earn up to $3,000 per semester at federal, state, and other government agencies, as well as Emory-affiliated programs, for-profit, and nonprofit organizations throughout Atlanta. Awards are offered to students on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students will be notified of their award by email and through OPUS.
Program Specifications
Eligibility Requirements
- Availability of funds
- Date of FAFSA form submission (domestic students)
- Date of admittance
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident status
- Full-time enrollment as a degree-seeking traditional MPH or MSPH student
- Satisfactory academic progress
Important Notes
- Many students use their REAL position to fulfill part or all of their applied practice experience requirements.
- Emory University and Emory Healthcare employees are not eligible to participate in REAL. Employees are not able to work for Emory Healthcare and Emory University due to time worked being paid from different payroll systems.
- Employees are not allowed to have a staff and a student position at the same time.
Questions About REAL?
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