In cooperation with the Elena M. Sliepcevich (EMS) Centre for Health Education Studies, located at Southern Illinois University, Eta Sigma Gamma is pleased to offer students currently enrolled in a program with a focus in health education or closely aligned (e.g., public health or health promotion) pursuing a school or youth-based project and current Eta Sigma Gamma members the opportunity to apply for a Sliepcevich Professional Development Award. Undergraduate student members and graduate student members may apply.
One award will be presented annually to an undergraduate, and one to a graduate student who best meets the established criteria. In addition to students currently enrolled in a program with a focus in health education or closely aligned (e.g., public health or health promotion) pursuing a school or youth-based project and current Eta Sigma Gamma members, applicants’ commitment to ESG and academic records (i.e., transcripts) will also be evaluated. The recipient will work with a mentor on completion of a school or youth health project. This individual receives a cash award, professional recognition, and a certificate at the Annual ESG Meeting.
Widely renowned as a leading health educator in the United States, Dr. Elena M. Sliepcevich directed the national School Health Education Study (SHES) from 1961 to 1972. SHES was the most comprehensive and largest curriculum development project in the history of the profession.
Dr. Sliepcevich was a Professor of Health Education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the School of Medicine at SIU from 1973 until her retirement in 1992. Additionally, Dr. Sliepcevich was a prolific writer, visionary, pioneer in development of patient education, recognized for her extensive research, mentor to colleagues and numerous doctoral and Master’s degree students, and recipient of many highly respected national awards.
CRITERIA
- The award is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
- The recipient must be enrolled in a Health Education program or closely aligned program (e.g., public health or health promotion) and active student member (undergraduate or graduate student) or professional member (graduate student) of Eta Sigma Gamma, currently enrolled in an institution of higher education.
- The award can only be granted once; however, a student who receives the award as an undergraduate is eligible to apply again as a graduate student.
- Completion of a school or youth health project that represents furthering the EMS-CHES purpose, supports School or Youth Health-related historical research and/or curriculum development and/or significant school/youth health programs based on sound best practices.
AMOUNT
The undergraduate award is $1,000.00; the graduate award is $1,500.00. The amount may increase or decrease depending on available funds.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The applicant must submit the application along with supporting documents on or before the deadline of November 30th. Link for application will be available after September 1.
Along with their applications, applicants must submit the following documents:
- A letter of nomination from an Eta Sigma Gamma professional member. This may include but not limited to the local Eta Sigma Gamma chapter sponsor, the chapter membership, faculty member, or other Professional who is a member of Eta Sigma Gamma.
- A letter from the applicant indicating their interest in and qualifications for the award (no more than 250 words) that outlines their commitment to the goals of Eta Sigma Gamma, as well as how their completed project contributes to the field of health education.
- School or Youth Health Project description (350 words).
SELECTION PROCESS
Award recipients will be chosen by the Awards Committee. The committee will ensure that the recipient meets all the criteria listed above.
NOTIFICATION
Notice of recipient will be made via email to the winner and announced at the annual national meeting of Eta Sigma Gamma.