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Classmates in Library

SMALL GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM

The Stetho Steps Small Grants & Scholarships Program offers financial, technical, and mentorship support to students and early-career professionals working to advance research, education, service delivery, administration, and social or environmental accountability in health professions.

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The program is designed to remove barriers to participation, especially in low-resource settings, while building capacity for impact-driven, community-engaged, and sustainable contributions to health and education.

Streams of Support

Participants can apply for one of three support streams:

Project Grants

Funding for initiatives such as:​

  • Educational or curriculum innovation

  • Community-based health or education initiatives

  • Quality improvement or M&E projects

  • Projects integrating social accountability or sustainability into education or service delivery​

​​Access Support

Support to address digital divides, including:

  • Internet/data stipends

  • Laptops, tablets, or mobile devices

  • Simulation materials or models

  • Subscriptions for LMS, AI tools, or productivity software​

​Scholarships & CME Support

Support for professional growth, including:

  • Tuition assistance for degree, diploma, or certificate programs

  • Registration for short courses or CME activities

  • Certification in health professions education or clinical practice

Priority is given to applicants who:

  • Demonstrate financial need

  • Show alignment between the request and their academic/professional goals

  • Intend to apply learning in real-world, community-centered, or environmentally responsible ways

What You'll Receive

  • Funding: $500 to $5,000 depending on stream and need

  • Mentorship & technical guidance throughout the project

  • Visibility & recognition via publication, presentation, or implementation support

  • Certificates, recommendation letters, or LinkedIn endorsements

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Prior research or grant experience is not required. We look for curiosity, clarity of purpose, and commitment to follow through.

Who Should Apply?

Open to Stetho Steps Community of Practice members, especially:

  • Students, trainees, or early-career professionals (within 5 years of training completion)

  • Individuals from or working with underserved communities

  • First-time researchers or those exploring new directions

  • Those with a clear commitment to equity, accountability, or sustainability in their work

How It Works

  • 1-2 application cycles are held annually

  • Apply as an individual or in small teams

  • Project duration: typically 6 to 16 weeks

  • Mentorship is available throughout

  • Final deliverables may include papers, presentations, toolkits, blogs, or reports

Partner With Us

We invite individuals and organizations to help grow this mission by:

  • Sponsoring scholarships or themed grant rounds

  • Mentoring participants or reviewing proposals

  • Donating tools, platforms, or educational materials

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member of the Stetho Steps Community of Practice to apply?

Yes. The program is open to members of the Community of Practice (CoP). If you're not yet a member, you can apply to join the CoP before submitting your grant or scholarship application.

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I don’t have prior research or grant experience. Can I still apply?

Absolutely. We welcome first-time applicants. What matters most is your clarity of purpose, alignment with the program’s goals, and commitment to follow through.

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Can teams apply, or is it only for individuals?

Both are welcome. Small teams of 2–4 people can apply jointly, especially for project grants. Each team should identify a primary contact person.

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What types of projects are not eligible?

We do not fund:

  • Projects unrelated to health professions education or service

  • Large-scale or multi-year research requiring institutional or ethics board approval (unless already secured)

  • Projects primarily for commercial or private business gain

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Can I apply for more than one stream of support?

You may only apply for one stream per cycle. If you have multiple needs, select the stream that best aligns with your current goals.

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Is mentorship mandatory?

Yes, mentorship is integrated into the program. We pair you with a mentor to support planning, implementation, or learning, depending on your project type.

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