The CFAAR Ambassadors applications are now open!
The Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR) Ambassadors Program is a weeklong experience that provides high school students with an in-depth introduction to public health research and allows them to explore various career paths in medicine, advocacy, policy, data science and health communications.
CFAAR ambassadors will work directly with faculty and research staff to learn and apply skills that will help students to critically evaluate scientific manuscripts, interpret outcomes and data and develop critical thinking skills to explore the world of public health research. Students will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with undergraduate and medical students, physicians and medical professionals, community advocates, data scientists and more.
CFAAR ambassadors will:
- Learn the definition and types of public health research.
- Learn how to review a medical publication and how to translate medical literature into common language.
- Learn about research communications and receive medical expert coaching.
- Listen to healthcare professionals including physicians, public health experts and undergraduate and medical students discuss their jobs and their stories.
- Become empowered health advocates who educate their peers on issues seen in their school and greater neighborhood communities.
- Explore health topics they are passionate about and receive feedback on their projects from community leaders and experts.
- Meet other students interested in health careers and learn about community advocacy and policy.
Costs
The 2025 Ambassadors Program will cost $500, which covers food and educational materials.
All students are encouraged to apply regardless of financial need. Tuition assistance is available to students who apply. Selected applicants will receive instructions for acceptance requirements.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in high school
- Enthusiasm for research and exhibits intellectual curiosity
- Ability to attend program 100% in-person at Northwestern University's Chicago campus
- Program Dates: July 28th-August 1st, 2025
Applications close on Sunday, July 20th!
If you have any questions about the Ambassadors Program, please email our Director of Education Sam Sansweet at samantha.sansweet@northwestern.edu.
Ambassador Testimonials
Thank you for such a great week, I really became a more worldly and educated person through everything we did, and I feel that I can be a strong food allergy advocate with the information I took away from the program.”
I learned things I never would have thought I needed to know before!”
I enjoyed exploring & learning about research, specifically how it relates to public health. I loved the guest speakers and all the research we read about"