NextGen Smoke and Vape-Free Latinx Scholars Program
ABOUT
The NextGen Smoke and Vape Free Latinx Scholars Program is a partnership between San Diego State University and Southwestern College. It is a student-centered, research-intensive mentoring program for undergraduate students, focusing on tobacco-related health disparities and health equity.
Watch our Recruitment Video
APPLICATION INFORMATION
The 2024 application cycle is now closed. Please check back in early Fall 2025.
Competitive applicants will be:
- Excited About Gaining Hands-On Research and Advocacy Experience in the Area of Tobacco-Related Health Disparities and Health Equity
- Familiar with Tobacco-Related Health Disparities Within the Latinx Community
- On Track to Transfer to SDSU the following Fall semester.
NextGen Scholars will complete required training and coursework on:
- Health Disparities
- The Responsible Conduct of Research
- Advocacy
NextGen Scholars will also be required to complete:
- A Full-Time (40 hrs/week) Summer Research Experience at SDSU the Summer before transfer.
See Example Mentors and Projects» - An Advocacy curriculum in the first Fall semester after transfer.
- A Smoke and Vape-Free Advocacy internship with a community partner the first Spring semester after transfer.
See Example Organizations»
By participating in this program, scholars will be exposed to various career pathways related to tobacco control and advocacy and will gain educational and professional experiences that will prepare them to become the next generation of leaders in tobacco control work and tobacco-related health disparities and health equity research.
PROGRAM GOALS
Goals:
- Expand Diversity in Tobacco Control
- Reduce Tobacco-Related Health Disparities
- Increase Number of Latinx Students who Choose to Become Tobacco Control Scientists and Advocates
The overall goal of our program is to build a diverse and equitable pipeline of tobacco control scholars.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
- Up to $40,000 in Financial Support (must complete all program requirements and demonstrate financial need).
- Guaranteed Admission to SDSU (must meet CSU admission and SDSU major requirements).
- Academic and Social Support
- Community of Like-Minded Peers
- Support of SWC and SDSU Faculty and Staff to Ease the Transition to SDSU
- Connection to Other Available Resources on SDSU’s Campus
- Personal and Professional Development
- Research and Internship placements
- Access to Workshops on a Variety of Topics Including Mental Health and Wellbeing and Preparing for Graduate School
- Opportunity to Present Research and Network with Professionals in your Field at Local, Regional and/or National Conferences
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
NextGen Scholars must commit to participating in the full length of the program: final Spring semester at SWC, and following Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters at SDSU. Scholars must also complete required coursework and professional development opportunities each semester as assigned.
View the Curriculum Roadmap» which outlines required and optional coursework and professional development activities.
MEET THE TEAM
Eyal Oren, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator
San Diego State University
Mourad Mjahed, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator
Southwestern College
E-Mail: [email protected]
Juan Gonzalez-Gonzalez, M.S.
Scholar Support Coordinator
Southwestern College
Michelle Altemus, M.S.W, M.B.A
Educational Activities Coordinator
San Diego State University
E-Mail: [email protected]
Daniel Manzo, M.P.H.
Tobacco Advocacy Educator & Community Engagement Coordinator
San Diego State University
E-Mail: [email protected]
Brittney Ayala
Graduate Research Assistant
San Diego State University
CONTACT
Mourad Mjahed or Michelle Altemus can help with your questions.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This program is funded by a grant from the Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP).
