Purpose

The Sheela Basrur travel bursary will provide an advanced understanding of public health in different jurisdictions by supporting students in undergraduate or graduate programs who wish to travel for a public health placement and require financial assistance with travel costs.

There will be up to 2 travel bursaries awarded each year consisting of $2,000 CDN.  The award can support:

• Students from any jurisdiction who wish to pursue a placement opportunity at the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (OAHPP);
• Students enrolled in a full-time program of study in public health at an Ontario University who wish to pursue a placement outside of Ontario;
• International students enrolled in a full-time program of study in public health, who wishes to pursue a placement in public health in Ontario.

Eligibility

The award is available to:

• Public health students in a recognized University program;
• International public health students must be able to secure travel visa requirements to come to Canada.

Students must demonstrate a commitment to public health and be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate public health program.

Frequency

Students are eligible to receive this award only once during their academic career.

Expectations

• Students will be responsible for ensuring that all appropriate admission requirements and eligibility criteria are followed for their course of study or placement.
• Students will be responsible to obtain their own travel VISA requirements and secure any additional funding required to complete their travel.
• The placement must take place within 12 months of the bursary being awarded.
• Students will be expected to give a presentation highlighting their experience at OAHPP with videoconferencing throughout the province.
• Students will be asked to submit a brief report following their experience.

Application process

• Complete the PDF application form
• Submit a letter of intent  which should include:
• career goals;
• the value of this opportunity;
• how the travel experience will enhance your knowledge of public health; and
• what your experience is in the public health field.
• Submit two reference letters from academic advisors.
• Submit a copy of your certified transcripts. 
• Send all electronic copies to learning@oahpp.ca
• The deadline for the 2010 Sheela Basrur student travel bursary is May 22, 2010.
• All applicants will be notified no later than June 30, 2010.

Criteria for award

• Excellence in academic achievement;
• Demonstrated leadership experience and/or volunteer experience in the field of public health;
• Demonstrated overall value of experience towards applicant’s future goals in public health.

All applications will be reviewed and selected by:

• A panel of public health professionals

The Sheela Basrur Centre, under the leadership of the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion, honours the legacy of the late Dr. Sheela Basrur, Ontario’s former Chief Medical Officer of Health and an outstanding leader in the field of public health. The mission of the Sheela Basrur Centre is to strengthen the capabilities, knowledge and expertise of public health professionals and to educate the public on key strategies to promote health. Its outreach initiatives includes a series of educational events and professional development programs in support of public health renewal and leadership in Ontario. For more information, please visit www.sheelabasrurcentre.ca.

The Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (OAHPP) is an arm's-length government agency dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Ontarians and reducing inequities in health. As a hub organization, OAHPP links public health practitioners, front-line health workers and researchers to the best scientific intelligence and knowledge from around the world.

OAHPP provides expert scientific and technical advice in order to support health providers, the public health system and partner ministries in making informed decisions and taking informed action to improve the health and security of Ontarians.  For more information about OAHPP, visit www.oahpp.ca.