NHSC Scholarship Application: Letters of Recommendation
The application for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program requires two letters of recommendation – one academic and one non-academic.
These letters should provide a detailed description of your performance in school; education/work achievements; community/ civic or other non-academic achievements; ability to work and communicate constructively with others from diverse backgrounds; and interest and motivation to serve underserved populations through work experience, course work, special projects, or research.
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Academic Letter of Recommendation: If you are currently enrolled in the health professions training program, the recommendation letter should be from the Department Chair, faculty advisor, or a faculty member of that academic program who can attest to your qualifications.
If you have not started the training associated with the scholarship, the letter should be from the Department Chair, faculty advisor, or a faculty member of your most recent academic program.
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Non-Academic Letter of Recommendation: The letter should be from an individual who is familiar with the applicant’s professional, community, and/or civic activities, especially those related to underserved communities.
The recommender can be an employer or previous employer, community leader, colleague, or anyone who has knowledge of your interest and motivation to provide care to underserved communities. The recommender must not be a family member. |
A few key reminders:
- All recommendations must be completed online through the application portal by the application deadline.
- The letter must have a handwritten signature and be on letterhead; the non-academic letter may include a personal address or organization if letterhead is unavailable.
- If the requirements are not met, your application will be deemed ineligible.
- If you decide to request a different recommender, login to the application portal to cancel your initial request and enter the information required to select a new recommender.
- Remind your recommenders that they will receive an email from NHSC with instructions on how to submit the recommendation.
For additional details on letters of recommendation, review page 44 of the Application and Program Guidance.
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