The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program not only provides scholarship assistance for students, but through its dynamic Leadership Development Programs, it offers Gates Scholars and Gates Alumni a range of academic empowerment relevant to graduate education. The GMS program selects 1,000 students per year as Gates Scholars. Awards are based on the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for the academic year, as well as the availability of grants and other scholarships reported on the student's financial aid award letter. In addition, continuing Gates Scholars may request a fellowship for a graduate degree program in one of the following academic disciplines: computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science.

In 2005, GMS launched a partnership with ASPH for the purpose of educating Gates Scholars and Alumni about graduate program preparation and emerging careers for the field of public health. To that end, ASPH resource materials are distributed within the GMS Knowledge Center to Gates Scholars and Gates Mentors at the annual Leadership Conferences and Graduate School Institutes (GSI). Graduate School Institutes are designed to increase Gates Scholar awareness of the field of public health and bring to life the myriad roles and responsibilities this dynamic field offers. During 2007–2008, GMS collaborated with The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Sciences; University of Minnesota School of Public Health; and University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine to host GSI's on their respective campuses. In the future, GMS looks forward to piloting a webinar format of such and plans to continue to register students for pre-existing institutes, such as Southern Regional Education Board Institute on Teaching and Mentoring . Colleagues at ASPH have been instrumental in helping GMS to obtain keynote speakers such as Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive Director, APHA, and Dr. Richard Jackson, Adjunct Professor, School of Public Health , UC Berkeley, for program events.

Over 225 Gates Scholars and Gates Alumni have attended Graduate School Institutes. The GSI event feedback was positive. One Gates Scholar said, “I thought this event was an excellent way to learn what public health is all about …I have always wanted to become more involved with GMS activities so I thought this event gave me a chance to meet some of the other Gates Scholars and feel like part of the GMS family.” Another Scholar shared, “I appreciate the opportunity to attend. It was highly informative and productive.”

For more information, please visit the GMS web site www.gmsp.org. Inquiries can be sent to Joy Coleman, Senior Relationship Manager, at joy.coleman@gmsp.org .

Joy Coleman, Senior Relationship Manager
Gates Millennium Scholars Program