Pincus Scholarship
As a cornerstone initiative of the Violence Prevention Institute (VPI), the Pincus Violence Prevention Scholarship Program at Tulane University invests in emerging leaders, strengthens academic and community partnerships, and ultimately prevents violence exposure among children and families.
Open to students in residential Master of Public Health (MPH) programs across multiple departments at the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, the scholarship provides an interdisciplinary experience that connects recipients with faculty from the Schools of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Social Work, and Medicine, as well as a robust network of community partners.
With five scholars selected every two years through a competitive application and interview process, the program ensures that its recipients are among the most committed and qualified individuals in the field.
Following its successful first cohort, the scholarship award amount was doubled, further reinforcing Tulane’s commitment to supporting future leaders.
In 2024, a record-breaking 44 candidates applied, demonstrating the program’s growing influence and ability to attract top talent.
In the Fall of 2024, we welcomed five new exceptional scholars with diverse backgrounds. By Spring, scholars were successfully placed with practicum partners including Center for Homicide Research, Louisiana Department of Health, New Orleans Health Department, Ubuntu Village, and Women with a Vision.
About the Pincus Family Foundation
The Pincus Family Foundation was formed in 2005 by Philadelphia philanthropists David and Gerry Pincus who dedicated themselves to learning first-hand about the challenges children face worldwide, then helping to address those challenges. The Pincus Family Foundation supports organizations and programs promoting children’s health, education, safety, nutrition, recreation and the arts locally and worldwide.
Scholars consistently report that the Pincus program has been essential in preparing them for their practicum work and future careers. They have gone on to take on a variety of impactful roles, including:
- Associate Data Analyst at Truveris
- Prevention Director at Meridian Behavioral Healthcare
- Violence Prevention Legal Specialist at the Eastside Legal Assistance Program
- Program Manager at the Center for Youth Equity
- Medical Students at Emory University and Tulane University
These diverse career paths demonstrate how the program equips scholars with the skills and experience needed to lead and make a meaningful difference in communities affected by violence.
“I’ve learned a lot about making sure equity and inclusion are at the core of public health strategies … ensuring that interventions are culturally appropriate and sensitive to the unique values of the communities we’re serving.”
“I really never knew how personable the VPI program and family could make me feel and how close the connections would be to pique all of my interests.”
Benefits
The Pincus Scholarship is not just financial assistance. It is a catalyst for meaningful change, shaping the next generation of violence prevention.
- Up to $40,000 taxable stipend*
- Professional network with other Pincus scholars, over 50 VPI faculty, community partners, & community leaders
- Specialized & interactive studio seminar
- Cross-disciplinary mentorship from VPI faculty & community partners
- Guidance in selecting community organization for the Applied Practice Experience
*Selected scholars will receive a $40,000 taxable stipend with $10,000 distributed over the course of the Fall and Spring semesters of two years. Scholarship funds may be withheld or revoked should the scholar fail to meet expectations or minimum academic standards.
Requirements
Pincus Scholars describe their experience in the program as invaluable to their development as public health professionals, both in the classroom and in the field, grounding them within the work they do, and emphasizing the value of relationship building, cultural awareness, and communication skills.
Expectations of Pincus Scholars include:
- Complete the MPH
- Complete SBPS 6260: Violence Prevention Studio Seminar and SBPS 6500: Violence as a Public Health Problem courses (descriptions of courses are included below)
- Participate in monthly professional and scholarly development meetings and events
- Work closely with designated faculty mentor to create a scholarly or practice-based product
- Complete a 300 hour Applied Practice Experience (180 hours more than required for the MPH) with a local community organization involved in the Pincus Scholarship program
Course Descriptions
SBPS 6260 Violence Prevention Studio – This course is designed to create an interactive and unique learning environment for students, community partners, and Violence Prevention Institute faculty through strengthening the partnerships between academic institutions and community organizations focused on preventing violence as well as mitigating the negative effects of violence on children. Community partners will speak about the violence prevention programs and strategies utilized by their organization and will also discuss their specific training capacities and potential practicum projects for scholars to complete in their field-based training.
SBPS 6500 Violence as a Public Health Problem – This course is designed to give an overview of the problem of violence as viewed from a public health perspective. Students will look at the epidemiology of violence (scope, causes, risk factors, and consequences) alongside public health approaches to the problem. Local academic and community leaders in the field will lend their expertise to help students understand and address violence as a public health problem.
Integrated Learning Experience
The Integrative Learning Experience (ILE), formerly called the Culminating Experience, is a required project for all MPH and MSPH students at the WSPH that synthesizes knowledge and skills gained through coursework. Students demonstrate mastery of core and program competencies by producing a high-quality written document suitable for use in professional or community settings, with some projects leading to publication. Options for completing the ILE include a public health analysis (PHA, required for online students), a comprehensive exam (where available), or a capstone course/integrated seminar. In addition, students must deliver an oral presentation of either their ILE or practicum. Learn more here.
Eligibility
Students admitted to residential MPH programs in the Departments of Social and Behavioral Population Sciences (SBPS), International Health and Sustainable Development, Epidemiology, and Health Policy are welcome to apply. Additionally, combined degree students who have completed their BSPH, and dual degree students (MSW/MPH, MD/MPH) are also eligible to apply. Joint degree students (MD/MPH and MSW/MPH) and combined BSPH and MPH students are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Students will apply to the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine through SOPHAS, the central application hub for many schools and programs of public health.
Once admitted to SPHTM, students will need to complete a secondary application to the Pincus Violence Prevention Scholarship.
For more information on how to apply to SPHTM including admission requirements, visit SPHTM Admissions.
Applications are now closed. Thank you for your interest in the Pincus Violence Prevention Scholarship Program. Our scholarship operates on a two-year cycle, and the current cohort runs from 2024 to 2026. Applications for the next cohort (2026–2028) will open in January 2026. Please check back then for more information about eligibility and the application process. For any questions or to stay updated, feel free to contact us or follow our latest announcements.
Address
1440 Canal Street, Suite 1510, New Orleans, LA 70112
social media
@tulanevpi