Minority students nationwide are encouraged to apply for the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program, which will take 13 students to Washington, D.C., to intern in congressional offices and enhance their knowledge regarding health policy.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 31.

According to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, “through the nine-week program, scholars gain valuable knowledge about federal legislative procedure and health-policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills.”

Scholars also participate in seminars, lectures and site visits to enhance their knowledge of health-care issues. In addition, students write and present a health-policy research paper.

This program was established in the year 2000 in honor of the legacy of U.S. congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who also served as a Foundation Trustee.

“The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program continues the legacy of the extraordinary congresswoman and helps to ensure that minority voices are heard when federal health policy is crafted,” Kaiser Family Foundation president Drew Altman said in a recent news release.

“I encourage all qualified minority students to apply for this unique opportunity to experience and participate in the federal legislative process.”

Although the program is open to all minority students, Native American students, in particular, were encouraged to apply this year.

Osula Rushing, policy analyst at the Kaiser Family Foundation, said in past years the foundation decided to focus on appealing to African American and Latino students. This was successful in the past, so for this year Native American students are being targeted, Rushing said. She said the organization wanted to increase the number of scholars from this particular background to educate students of all different races.

In the past, approximately 100 students have applied for the program, Rushing said. In turn, she expects at least 100 students to apply again this year. The number of applicants has grown in recent years, and the organization is in the process of increasing the number of students chosen to participate. The number of students admitted will be 15 for the next year, and according to Rushing, this number may continue to increase.

In order to apply for admission to this program, students must be U.S. citizens who are juniors or seniors in college or recent college graduates. Law, medical and graduate students are not eligible candidates.

According to the foundation, candidates are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential and interest in health policy. Selected scholars also receive an additional $5,000 in support money. This includes a stipend, daily expense allowance, airfare and lodging. While scholars participate in the program they will reside at Howard University.

“The goal of this program is to ultimately foster a new generation of students knowledgeable in the subject,” Rushing said.

According to Rushing, this program sets itself apart from others because of the strong health-policy focus and also because students are recruited from all underrepresented minorities.

Rushing also expressed her pure excitement over the program beginning.

“We are all very excited about the program,” Rushing said. “We look forward to seeing the scholars each summer.”