Scholarships

Scholarships are an important member benefit.  The following are awarded annually to a member who meets the associated eligibility criteria.  Applications are accepted from members in the spring and selected recipients are notified in mid-summer.  Applications can be found in the Members Only section of this website. 

All applications for this year are due by August 1st, 2024. Email completed applications to Matt McDaniel at [email protected]. Please note that each scholarship has different requirements for eligibility.  If you have any questions, please contact the scholarship committee chair, Matt McDaniel at [email protected].

If you are a member but don't know how to access the Members Only section, please contact Kim Harrell at [email protected]

2024 TPHA General Scholarships

Are you a public health professional pursuing a formal education in the field of public health? Consider applying for a TPHA scholarship. Awards of up to $1000 for degree programs and $500 for certificate programs are available.  Qualified applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Have three or more years of full-time employment in Public Health in Tennessee.
  • Be a member of TPHA whose dues are current and who has been a member for at least one year.

Scholarships will be awarded to advance individual knowledge and competence in Public Health.  Awards for Public Health training shall be limited to programs that award college credit, continuing education units (CEUs) or certification through a nationally recognized accrediting body or educational institution.   

Evelyn Vaillencourt Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial support to students in Tennessee currently pursuing a formal education in a field of health education. Evelyn Vaillencourt served public health in Tennessee for many years. She was a health education advocate whose works and efforts were recognized across the state. Evelyn’s professional contribution to the field of health education was extraordinary and she was a firm believer that it all began with the foundation she received through training and education while in school. She was a lifetime learner always pursuing opportunities for growth and perfecting her craft. Upon her death in 2016, monies to continue to support the growth and professional development in the field of health education were contributed to begin this memorial scholarship. 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in a Tennessee university or college pursuing a degree in community health education or other public health related degree with an intent to practice community health education.
  • Plans to practice community health education in Tennessee upon graduation.
  • Future career goals focus on serving in a community health education capacity.
  • Applications must include 1-3 letters of recommendation. 

Dana Garrett Montgomery Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial support to students in Tennessee currently pursuing a formal education in the field of nursing or public health management. Dana Garrett Montgomery served public health in Tennessee for over 20 years. She was a talented and devoted nurse, a passionate public health advocate, county director and a respected leader. She championed public health, choosing to tackle issues of access to care and creating a safety net of services for our most vulnerable neighbors. Her innovative and community-centered approach created the opportunity for Rutherford County Health Department to partner with healthcare facilities, non-profits, the faith community, and schools that brought programming and care directly to those in the county that need it most. She was a lifetime learner always pursuing opportunities for growth and perfecting her craft. The impact she had on the health of the community will be felt for generations to come. Upon her death in 2020, monies to continue to support the growth and professional development in the field of nursing or public health management were contributed to begin this memorial scholarship. 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in a Tennessee university or college pursuing a degree in nursing or public health administration/management.
  • Plans to practice in Tennessee upon graduation.
  • Future career goals focus on serving in a public health nursing or managerial capacity.
  • Applications must include 1-3 letters of recommendation.