Rollins Earn and Learn
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What Is Rollins Earn and Learn?
Rollins Earn and Learn (REAL) is a signature program funded by Rollins that offers traditional full-time MPH/MSPH students valuable opportunities to earn while they learn through applied public health experiences in real-world settings. Beyond the direct work experience, it is an opportunity for students to be mentored by public health professionals.
The REAL program gives students the opportunity to earn up to $3,000 per semester through a paid internship in public health. Students can earn up to $6,000 per academic year at federal, state, and other government agencies, as well as Emory-affiliated programs, for-profit, and nonprofit organizations throughout Atlanta.
More than 50% of Rollins’ traditional full-time MSPH/MPH students receive the award for the academic year. The experiences provided through REAL often fulfill applied practice experience (APE) requirements, lead to thesis opportunities, and provide an enriching experience for both employers and students.
For Partners
What Can a REAL Student Do for You?
The Rollins Earn and Learn (REAL) program provides partners with the opportunity to hire an experienced graduate student for a fraction of the cost. Rollins School of Public Health pays 50% of the student's salary and you pay the remaining 50%. The REAL program provides funding for students working for employment partners in the Fall and Spring Semesters of each academic year.
REAL students are exceptional employees. Contributing master's level education, analytical and research skills as well as transferable program development skills that are useful across numerous industries and organizations. From writing grant proposals to analyzing data, REAL students have skills that are applicable beyond public health.
Who partners with REAL?
- For-profit organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Federal, state, county, and other government agencies
- Emory University
- Emory Healthcare
- Emory-affiliated programs
- Alumni in all sectors
Fast REAL Facts
- The REAL program runs through the Fall and Spring semesters each year- The REAL program is NOT funded for the Summer.
- The students will begin applying for REAL jobs on August 1, 2024, for the Fall 2024 semester.
- The students can begin work September 3, 2024, or after, and work through May 3, 2025, for the Spring 2025 Semester.
- They CANNOT work on Emory University holidays.
- The students are paid $15.00 per hour with a suggested maximum of 20 hours per week. Your SpeedType will be billed for your 50% throughout the semester.
- The students are RSPH employees, the RSPH HR department handles the hiring process after you interview and select a student.
- The student and the student's designated REAL supervisor is responsible for managing the student's hours on the timekeeping system.
- The supervisor will review and approve the time on Mondays once every two weeks before payday.
- The student is paid once every two weeks. The RSPH HR department handles the payroll.
- You may keep the same student through multiple semesters, or you may change to a different student at the beginning of the semester.
Apply to be a REAL Partner
Fill out your information to become a REAL employment partner.
Current Students
Rollins offers a one-of-a-kind public health experience. The REAL program gives full-time, master’s-level public health graduate students the opportunity to earn up to $3,000 per semester through paid internships in public health that align with their professional goals.
The REAL program in general, I felt that no other school had anything similar, where you could be working with incredible public health organizations, while you're going to school.
Former REAL Student
REAL FAQ
No. This not a need-based financial aid program or federal work-study. It is not applied towards your tuition, and it is not a lump-sum stipend.
About 50% of full-time MSPH/MPH student receive the award for the academic year.
No. Students must apply for REAL-approved positions and employers determine who they would like to hire.
No. Earnings are deposited into your bank account on a bi-weekly basis for every hour you work. Funds not earned are forfeited.
No. Students are allowed employment in only one position funded through REAL at a time. However, students can have a REAL position and a non-REAL position simultaneously.
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 Office of Admission to all admitted international students. Students have the opportunity to earn up to $6,000 per academic year 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.
Alumna Nichole Fields-Kyle’s REAL Journey
“REAL was definitely an opportunity to apply what I was actively learning at Rollins, as well as to figure out really what I wanted to do. My first job was doing program coordinating and it helped me realize that I wanted to be more hands-on, working in the food realm."
Current Students: Get More Details
If you are a current Rollins student, log in to the Canvas REAL page to access the REAL Support Toolkit and Rights and Responsibilities documents.
Questions?
Gerald Clay, REAL Program Manager