Trailblazer Scholarship

The NCAPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee established the Trailblazer Scholarship in 2022 to support Black/African American PA students during their second year of PA school. The committee reviewed research and statistics around health disparities and gaps in representation and established this $1,000 scholarship in an effort to address these needs. The Trailblazer Scholarship is for North Carolina PA students in their second year of PA school who self-identify as Black/African American.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. You must be enrolled in an NC PA program and identify as African American or Black.
2. You must be entering or enrolled in your clinical year as of September 2026.
3. Applications must be received by the July deadline.

The scoring criteria for the scholarship are as follows:

• Demonstrated plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the future:
  • Plans to diversify the profession
  • Plans to improve healthcare disparities
• Applicant’s financial need (self-reported).
• Applicant’s contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, either past or current.
• Statement from the PA program that the student is in good academic standing.