Pathways, Purpose, and Possibility for Future Public Health Leaders
The CHARM Scholars Program helps XULA students gain the mentorship, skills, and experiences they need to thrive in public health—and take the next step toward a PhD.
What is CHARM?
The Community Health and Research Mentorship (CHARM) Scholars Program is a collaboration between the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health (FSPH) and Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA).
CHARM was created by Dr. Courtney Thomas Tobin, a proud XULA graduate whose own public health career began through a life-changing research program at UCLA. Now, she's opening those same doors for the next generation.
A XULA alum herself, Dr. Thomas Tobin knows firsthand the transformative power of research mentorship. After her own journey from New Orleans to UCLA and beyond, she built CHARM to ensure XULA students have the same opportunities to discover their purpose in public health and pursue doctoral education with confidence and community.
A two-phase program built for momentum
How it works
CHARM is designed as a continuous experience, not a one-time event. It follows you from summer through the academic year.
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Summer Intensive at UCLA
June 22 to August 1, 2026
A 6-week immersive experience at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. Scholars live on campus, conduct real research, attend workshops, and build relationships with faculty mentors and graduate student mentors.
Research training
Faculty mentorship
Housing & meals covered
$4,000 stipend
Conference presentation prep
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Year-Round Support at XULA
Academic Year
Back on campus, scholars continue with monthly workshops, ongoing mentorship from program leadership and graduate student mentors, and dedicated grad school preparation. The community built at UCLA carries through the whole school year.
Monthly workshops
Personal statement coaching
PhD application supportPeer community
UC-HBCU Fellowship eligibility
Eligibility requirements
CHARM is designed for driven XULA students who are ready to invest in their future in public health.
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XULA undergraduate student — enrolled at Xavier University of Louisiana
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Sophomore or Junior standing at time of application
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Interest in public health research — and commitment to community
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US citizen or permanent resident — as required blky program funding
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3.0 GPA or higher — demonstrated academic commitment
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Available June 22 to August 1 — for the full summer intensive
Read the full 2026 program guide
Everything you need to know before applying.
CHARM is about more than building a resume. It’s about finding your voice, your purpose, and your place in public health.
Our scholars leave with the confidence, skills, and network to not only get into graduate school but thrive once they’re there. Whether you want to lead research, influence policy, or work directly in communities, CHARM prepares you to make an impact.
More Than a Program—A Pathway to Your Future
CHARM scholars leave with the confidence, skills, and network to not only get into graduate school — but thrive once they're there.