Mission
The Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Fellowship for Health Promotion, Physical Fitness and Community Health Education’s mission is to develop leaders of color who are committed to fighting obesity-related health disparities in underserved communites and minority populations through community-engaged research, innovative intervention, policy, systems and environmental change using physical activity, and other health promotion strategies. Our approach is to provide financial, and fellowship support to students, professionals, junior faculty, and community leaders in the following programs:
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Doctoral Fellowship
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Master Level Fellowship
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Bachelor Fellowship
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Community Mobilization Award
Our Background
Created by Rev. Darlene Edgley, the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Fellowship for Health Promotion, Physical Fitness and Community Health Education’s mission is to develop leaders of color who are committed to fighting obesity in underserved populations through community participatory research, intervention and prevention using physical activity, and other health promotion strategies. The Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Fellowship continues the work pioneered by the late Antronette (Toni) Yancey, MD, MPH. Dr. Yancey’s concern with the dangers of America’s sedentary lifestyle and its relationship to issues of obesity and related chronic diseases inspired the concept of Instant Recess®, a public health model which promotes a healthier lifestyle by utilizing small bouts of physical activity. Moreover, Dr. Yancey was an ardent public health advocate, prolific researcher, writer, award winning health investigator, and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her work took her beyond the safe confines of the university to engage with communities and a wide range of community-based settings. In doing so, she acted as a mentor to many public health academics and professionals.
Our Impact
The Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Fellowship works with universities and public health organizations to identify and recruit prospective students, professionals, and junior faculty from historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups committed to examining innovative methods integrating physical activities as a key strategy for making positive changes in the health of the communities. These methods can reduce the disproportionately high risk of obesity and related chronic diseases among underserved populations and minority populations. Our support strengthens pipelines for some of the brightest minds in obtaining the financial and mentoring support needed to innovate, inform, and create life-changing programs.