Apply for Catalyst Academy 2024!!

Catalyst Academy is Project UNITY's summer education program that provides high school students across the United States with the opportunity to immerse themselves into the dynamic field of public health. Guided by world-renowned Healthcare speakers, college mentors and medical students, this 8-week virtual program focuses on sharpening participants' critical thinking skills, helping them actively contribute as leaders to the field of public health. Here, students will lead collaborative research efforts on critical public health issues, culminating into a publication in the 2024 UNITY Research Journal. Beyond this, students will innovate evidence-based health interventions based on their community research, developing their skills of community collaboration and public health project design through tailored mentorship from Catalyst mentors. All Catalyst Academy cohorts will have the opportunity to present their innovations at the Regional and National UNITY Health Conference in front of nationally ranked healthcare leaders and organizations, helping them strengthen their public health communication skills while building their professional network.

Beyond public health research and innovation, participants will have the opportunity to pursue year-round leadership with Project UNITY, gaining valuable insights into the operations of a national student-led nonprofit. As UNITY participants, students become part of a lifelong support network, receiving guidance and advice along their academic and extracurricular journeys. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate the next generation of change-makers, educating young minds about public health and empowering them with knowledge, skills, and leadership experiences to drive sustainable change.

APPLY HERE (DEADLINE: MARCH 1ST, 2024 @ 11:59 PM EST)

ACCEPTANCE OFFER SENT OUT BY MARCH 30TH, 2024

Program Deliverables

Our Commitment to Public Health Youth Leadership.

Opportunity to Develop Impactful Nationwide Community Health Interventions

Publish your work in the UNITY 2024 Summer Research Journal

Present at Regional/National Research Conferences

Earn a Catalyst Academy Completion Certificate (Indicating Public Health Leadership Commitment)

Receive Recommendation Letters for College/Professional Opportunities

Participate in a Year-Round Internship at Project UNITY

Student Testimonials

My growth as a student, writer, researcher, and as an overall person has improved over this program. I talked to my mentor at the beginning of the program. “I want to be confident in what I say and think”. I think I have gained an immense amount of confidence and security in the sentences I form. I am able to communicate better than I did at the beginning of the program and I feel the environment of Catalyst Academy created a comfortability in me that allowed me to speak out not only in group discussion, but actively cultivating discussions with guest speakers, and team members.

Emma B.

Who is eligible to apply for Catalyst Academy?

Catalyst Academy is open to all high school and college students who have an interest in public health, research, leadership, and service.
How long is the program?

The Catalyst Academy program is eight weeks long.
Is the program virtual or in-person?

The Catalyst Academy program is completely virtual.
What does the program consist of?

The program consists of guest speaker sessions, interactive discussions, and a research project and community-based health interventions.
What are the program requirements?

Participants are expected to attend all sessions, actively engage in discussions, and complete a research project and community-based health interventions.
What is the UNITY Summer Journal?

The UNITY Summer Journal is a publication that showcases research projects developed by Catalyst Academy participants. The publication is distributed at the end of the program.
Is there a cost to participate in Catalyst Academy?

The cost for Summer 2024 is $250. All Proceeds are donated to Student Intervention projects during the year.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the program?

Yes, all Catalyst Academy participants who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of completion.
Can I receive academic credit for participating in Catalyst Academy?

We do not offer academic credit for participating in Catalyst Academy at this time. However, we encourage participants to discuss the program with their academic advisors to determine if there are opportunities to receive credit through their institution.
Will I receive a letter of recommendation after completing Catalyst Academy?

Yes, all Catalyst Academy participants who successfully complete the program will receive a letter of recommendation from the program organizers. The letter will highlight the participant's participation in the program, as well as their academic and leadership potential.