Frequently asked questions

What kind of projects does the Doctoral program fund?

The fellowship funds doctoral-level research projects that integrate effective public health strategies to influence positive changes in the health of communities; specifically, reducing the disproportionately high risk of obesity-related health disparities in minority populations. The fellowship supports projects that promote physical activity and other health promotion strategies through community-engaged research, innovative interventions, policy, systems, and environmental change. Projects should demonstrate the potential for measurable, observable impact on improving the health of underserved communities and minority populations.

Is the award renewable?

No, the award is not renewable.

May I apply for the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Doctoral Fellowship if I was not selected as a fellow in a previous year?

Yes, applicants may reapply for the Doctoral Fellowship. All applicants must submit new application materials each year.

What makes me eligible to apply for the doctoral fellowship program?

Applicants who are attending an accredited U.S. doctoral program, and who have successfully passed their comprehensive examinations are eligible to apply to this fellowship.

Am I eligible to apply for the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Doctoral Fellowship if I have secured or (may secure) other funding?

Yes, applying for other funding will not hinder a candidate’s eligibility for a Doctoral Fellowship. Applicants must notify the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Fellowship, in writing, if they are offered another fellowship (or provide award estimates of pending awards) and discuss the nature and terms of the award. A section is provided on the application form to list other secured funding sources by the applicant.

Do I have to be a US citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Doctoral Fellowship Award?

Yes, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for this award.

What universities are eligible for the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley  Doctoral Fellowship?

This year's Doctoral Fellowship is limited to universities that are accredited in the United States.

If accepted, may I defer the start date of the Doctoral Fellowship?

No, applicants must start fellowship in the current fellowship calendar year.

What about answers not listed or technical support?

For answers to questions not addressed here or for questions pertaining to technical support, please contact us at info@yanceyfellowship.org.

What is the deadline to submit application materials for The Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Doctoral Fellowship?

The deadline to submit completed application materials for this fellowship is 11:59 pm, Pacific Standard Time, January 11th, 2020. The Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Fellowship encourages applicants to request letters from references and request transcripts as early as possible, since late materials will not be accepted.

What are the application materials for the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Doctoral Fellowship?

The application materials include the following:

• Doctoral Fellowship Application Form
• Official sealed transcripts
• Current CV
• 3 letters of recommendation submitted on official letterhead by a primary research mentor/dissertation chair, faculty advisor/or program director, and a community health professional (with whom the applicant as worked closely for)
• Completed reference forms

How long does it take to fill out the application materials?

This will vary depending on how much work the applicant has prepared before beginning the application process. Filling in the application form may take one--two hours. Applicants will also need to upload a CV, application form, budget justification, and proposed timeline. In addition, applicants are expected to secure recommendation letters in support of the applicant's application. We highly recommend that applicants start the process several weeks before the deadline to get a sense of what is required and to start preparing your materials.

Do I have to upload the application materials all at once?

Yes, upload completed application materials (i.e. application form and CV) at the link listed at the bottom of the application form. Recommendation letters will need to be uploaded by your letter writers. A link will be provided on the application form. Applications will NOT be reviewed until all required forms have been uploaded and received. Late submissions will not be accepted.

May I add new information after I have submitted my application materials?

No, all application materials except for the sealed transcripts and letters of recommendations must be uploaded directly by the applicant at the original application submission. No additional information and/or documents will be accepted. Application materials will be judged as is at the time of submission.

Can a candidate make changes to the application materials after the deadline?

No. Edits, alterations, and/or additions will not be accepted.

Can I email or mail my application materials?

Application materials will be submitted via link provided within the application form. The letter of recommendations will be submitted by your recommenders provided to them via a separate link. Only official sealed transcripts may be mailed to the mailing address provided on the website. All other materials must be uploaded to the link indicated on the application form.

Are unofficial transcripts acceptable?

No, the applicant must request all sealed official transcripts be mailed by the institution to the address indicated on the fellowship website by the January 11th, 2021 deadline.

What racial and/or ethnic groups qualify as historically underrepresented for the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Doctoral Fellowship?

Black, Latina/o, American Indian, Southeast Asian, Alaska Natives who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment, Native Hawaiians, and natives of the U.S. Pacific Islands.

Can I receive reviewer comments on my application materials?

No, comments are not available to applicants; however, for questions or comments about application material contact info@yanceyfellowship.org.

Will I receive confirmation that my application materials have been submitted?

Yes, applicants will receive an email confirmation once all completed application materials have been received.

Whom should I ask to write my letters of recommendations?

Applicants should secure letters from individuals who can write a strong, specific letter on your behalf. We recommend asking someone who can comment on your proposed project. All recommendation letters must be written on official letterhead and come from (1) a primary research mentor/dissertation chair, (2) a faculty advisor/or program director, and (3) a community health professional (whom you’ve worked closely for).

Ideally, at least one recommender should be able to judge the technical aspects of your proposed project and someone else who can speak specifically to the community-engagement aspect of your project. It's good to be able to show that you have placed yourself in the field, not merely in the department or institution where you are employed or did graduate work. You want to carefully consider the individuals most appropriate to write the best letters and weigh that against personal connections.

Do all recommendation letters have to be in the system before I submit my application materials?

No, recommendation letters can be submitted after the applicant has submitted their application.

How can I determine if my letters of recommendation have been received?

Applicants will need to email jvinegar@yanceyfellowship.org to confirm the letters of recommendations have been received.

Who is reading my application materials?

Application materials are reviewed by public health scholars from a variety of fields who have expertise in public health research on minority health disparities, prevention, physical activity, obesity-related chronic diseases among underserved and minority populations.

How much of my proposal should be devoted to explaining my methodology, the project's significance, theoretical framework, work plan, etc.?

We recommend that each applicant present a complete, yet concise, summary of their research project. We expect the applicant research project summary will clearly articulate background on their topic of interest, purpose statement, central research question, and methods they plan to employ. We encourage the applicant to exercise judgment in determining the most salient components of their research project and clarify how their research aligns with the mission, goals, and objectives of the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Fellowship.

What kinds of projects are usually successful in the Doctoral Fellowship competition?

Doctoral research projects are very diverse; there is no favorite project design, methodology, or subject matter. Successful proposals: 1) clearly demonstrate relevance to critically exploring and/or addressing obesity-related health disparities via community-engaged research, policy systems and environmental change efforts using physical activity or other effective health promotion strategy; 2) are thoughtfully conceived and well written; and 3) exhibit innovation

What is the Selection Process and Timeline

The application deadline is January 11th, 2021. After all applications are reviewed, finalists will be invited for a phone interview. The final selection of the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Doctoral fellow will be made approximately 7-9 weeks after the application deadline. Selected fellows will be notified approximately 9 weeks from application submission.

How much is the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley DrPH Dissertation Fellowship Award?

The financial portion of the Doctoral Fellowship award is $10,000.

If I receive a Doctoral Fellowship award, how is the financial award issued?

The Doctoral Fellowship award will be paid directly to the fellow in 2 installments: 1st installment is paid when applicant has successfully passed their comprehensive examinations as determined and officially verified by the applicant school. The 2nd installment payment will be paid once the applicant has completed the doctoral program as determined and officially verified by the applicant university.

What can the financial portion of the Doctoral Fellowship award be used for?

The financial portion of the Doctoral Fellowship award may be used for the following:

• Travel to presentation of research findings as long as it does not exceed 10% of the Doctoral Fellowship
• Graduate student fees (cannot be tuition for coursework)
• Professional fees related to completing doctoral program
• Collection or purchase of data relevant to the research project
• Estimated taxes (not to exceed $500.00)
• Living expenses such as food and housing
• Healthcare (not to exceed $1,000.00)

If selected, what are the outcomes and expectations of the awardee?

If selected, awardees are expected to:

• Participate in periodic regular updates and contribute to assessment activities designed to record the impact of the Doctoral Fellowship
• Complete their doctoral program requirements and earn their doctoral degree within (1) one year
• Must present at a minimum of (1) one Public Health Conference that is related to at least one of the following:
  • Addressing issues of obesity with related chronic disease prevention through physical activity
  • Any other health promotion strategies using community-engaged research
  • Working to improve health prospects in underserved and minority populations within the U.S.

How long is the tenure of the Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey and Darlene Edgley Doctoral Fellowship Award?

The tenure of the fellowship is not less than one academic year (nine months) and not more than two calendar years (24 months). In applying for the Doctoral Fellowship, applicants are asked to create a work plan that outlines the anticipated amount of time needed to finish their research project.