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SPH MILESTONE PROGRAM

Advancing Health Equity and Social Justice

The School of Public Health is committed to advancing health equity and social justice by ensuring that students from backgrounds traditionally underserved in public health have the support, opportunities, and resources needed to successfully navigate their academic and professional careers.

The Milestone program provides undergraduate public health students from traditionally underserved backgrounds with 1:1 support, workshops, and tools to kickstart their career and academic goals.

Why Become A Milestone Scholar?

Through Milestone’s year-long program students will:


Reflect & Explore Post-Graduation Goals

Have a general idea of what you want to do post-graduation, but want more support?

Work 1:1 with the Student Success Coach to:

  • Identify individualized academic and professional goals.
  • Create action plans to reach those goals.
  • Access accountability and support each step of the way!


Become Confident Applicants

Not sure where to grow your resume and experience?

  • Learn skills to navigate career and academic exploration and application.
  • Attend workshops and networking events to practice what you’ve learned.


Learn How to Sustain Your Goals

Interested in a long-lasting career in Health?

  • It is Milestone’s goal that our public health graduates embody health and well-being.
  • Gain culturally relevant professional, academic, and holistic self-care skills to sustain your mental and physical health.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Have declared Public Health Studies as an undergraduate major.
  • Has above 90 credits or junior/senior status by Fall 2024.
  • Have a GPA of (3.0) or higher.

Meets 2 out of 3 of the following criteria:

  • Self-identify as a member of a racial or ethnic group that is underrepresented in health professions in Oregon.
  • First-generation college student (an individual whose parents or guardians did not complete a baccalaureate degree).
  • From a rural or frontier environment (a town of less than or equal to 40,000 population and at least 10 miles from a community of that size or larger).

U.S. residency and citizenship is NOT a requirement for participation in Milestone. International and DACA students are encouraged to apply!

APPLY TO BECOME A MILESTONE SCHOLAR!

Application Deadline August 16th, 2024

  • 2 Sections: First, 20 questions collecting basic information. Second, two short essays (250 words max each)
  • Estimated Time to Complete: ~20-30 minutes
  • NOTE: Your application will not be processed until you click ‘SUBMIT’. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Noni Villalobos – nvilla3@pdx.edu

In-Program Requirements

By joining Milestone, you’re agreeing to the following participation requirements and expectation. All Milestone scholars are required to:

  • Be a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credit hours each quarter
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.00 (cumulative)
  • Participate in Milestone Orientation in Fall
  • Meet with Student Success Coach once per term
  • Attend at least two Student Success Center workshops per term – recordings will be available on Canvas if not able to attend in person
  • Meet with Pathway Advisor or (special programs advisor – e.g. TRIO/IGNITE/MRS/Honors advisor) once a year
  • Seek out and apply to at least 3 scholarships per academic year
  • Attend either a PSU Career Center workshop, or meet with a PSU Career Center staff member once a year

Space is limited to 50 students this 2024-2025 academic year.

Noni Villalobos

SPH Student Success Coach

Noni serves as the Student Success Coach for the School of Public Health. As a student advocate, they have experience in case management, data assessment, academic advising, and coaching at the community college, four-year, and graduate school level.

Her work focuses on supporting holistic professional and personal development for students.

For questions email nvilla3@pdx.edu
Vanport Building, Room 626E