The New York State Association for Rural Health welcomes applicants for its Research and Policy (RaP) Fellowship program. This program introduces graduate students and early professionals to rural health issues and engages them in advocacy activities.

This year’s RaP Fellowship cohort will run from January to September, 2026.

RaP Fellows select a topic from the NYSARH Policy Committee’s current legislative priorities. First, RaP Fellows research this issue and its importance to rural communities in New York State. Research outputs include a bibliography of recent literature, as well as a 3-5 page research brief summarizing the topic.
Next, Fellows produce a 2-3 page policy brief suggesting policy levers relevant to their topic and providing concrete recommendations to policymakers.

During their fellowship, RaP participants receive education about rural health equity, the legislative process in New York State, and effective advocacy practice. They have the opportunity to work with NYSARH mentors and to participate in NYSARH’s legislative action work during state budget season.

Requirements
● Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the health of all people
residing in rural New York State through the provision of equitable health care services
● Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a broadly health-related field
● Applicants must be willing and able to commit to weekly virtual check-in meetings with NYSARH
advisors and mentors
● Fellows must have access to the computer equipment needed to participate in video
conferences, online discussion fora, and to produce written work

Benefits
This year’s NYSARH Fellows will receive:
● a one-year membership to NYSARH
● Public Health Partnership Conference registration and hotel (April 2026 in Lake Placid, NY)
● NYSARH Rural Health Symposium registration and hotel (September 2026, Clayton, NY)
● We cannot guarantee funding at this time, but we are applying for funds to award to this year’s Fellows. We hope to provide $500 per month for 8 months to support Fellows’ work in this program.