Applications for our 2026-2027 cohort are NOW OPEN through March 19th! Applications submitted by March 5th will receive priority consideration.
Read on to learn more & apply.
GHC’s U.S. Leadership Accelerator is a tuition-free, 9-month, hybrid fellowship for U.S.-based early-career, non-clinical public health professionals.
Through immersive training, coaching, and a global network of peers, fellows strengthen their ability to drive change and advance health equity — all while continuing in their current roles within a range of institutions across many health challenges.
The U.S. is home to widening health inequities, and many of those most impacted by these disparities remain underrepresented in public health leadership.
Public health is chronically underfunded and understaffed. Persistent budget cuts and resource constraints have decimated state and local health departments. The sector is struggling to provide basic services, and workforce shortages disproportionately harm historically marginalized communities already facing the greatest health disparities.
Meanwhile, those who remain are overwhelmed. Burnout is driving workers out of the field, and many leaders are nearing retirement—creating a leadership vacuum at a critical moment.
The U.S. Leadership Accelerator equips the next generation of public health leaders with the skills, support, and networks they need to navigate these challenges, step into greater responsibility, and lead effectively. We seek applicants with varied perspectives, including those informed by personal experiences navigating health inequities. With more inclusive and effective leadership, we can strengthen U.S. health systems and accelerate progress toward health equity.
Sharpening leadership and management capacity strengthens efficiency and quality at the individual, team, and organizational levels—significantly improving program outcomes. The U.S. Leadership Accelerator provides an opportunity for organizational leaders to support and retain high-potential team members with extensive leadership development.
85% assumed greater leadership roles (e.g. promotions, expanded scope) during the fellowship.
97% of fellows reported increases in key leadership competencies, including critical thinking, equity and inclusion, and career and self-development.
100% of supervisors reported that fellows were positive or critical to the success of their organizations.
88% of the supervisors reported that based on their experience working with the fellows this past year, they would consider promoting the fellow within their organization if there were no other factors to consider.
This wasn’t just a professional experience; it was a transformation. I had the honor of growing, learning, dreaming, and building alongside 30 of the most passionate, intelligent, and committed individuals I’ve ever met.
GHC fellows are driven to improve existing skills and professional development and do so in the context of the organization who benefit from their work and learning in real time. It’s the definition of a win-win.
Throughout the program, fellows work with their supervisors and GHC staff to apply what they’re learning to real-world challenges and projects at their organizations.
Develop a clearer sense of your unique strengths and challenges, articulate your personal values, and create a vision for your growth as a leader advancing health equity.
Connect with peers, mentors, and advisors who can support your leadership journey. Join GHC's community of 1,300+ alumni spanning 40+ countries.
Explore barriers to and opportunities for learning about yourself and your work. Develop a personal learning agenda and interrogate mindsets that may be holding you back.
Explore frameworks and tools to better understand and analyze the systems you work in, and develop strategies for leveraging systems change.
Gain confidence in practicing your leadership and achieving positive results in your workplace and community through GHC's leadership framework.
Tap into webinars, trainings, networking opportunities, and GHC's Community Impact Team to continue developing long after the program ends.
The 9-month fellowship runs from September 2026 through May 2027. All program costs — including travel to retreat locations, lodging, and meals for in-person retreats — are covered by GHC.
February 16, 2026: Applications open
March 5, 2026: Priority deadline
March 19, 2026: Applications close
June 2026: All applicants notified of status
September 2026: Fellowship kickoff and first virtual convening
October/November 2026: First national in-person retreat (4-5 days)
May 2027: End-of-program national in-person retreat (4-5 days) and transition to alumni community
A full program calendar will be provided upon acceptance.
The U.S. Leadership Accelerator is designed with a hybrid learning approach, offering virtual and in-person learning opportunities. Participation in all components is mandatory unless otherwise noted:
Monthly virtual Leadership Academy Workshops (3 hours/workshop) built into your working day
Monthly small group learning (1-2 hours/month)
Asynchronous learning (1-2 hours/month) – required reading, writing, and reflection
Optional learning opportunities – webinars, trainings, networking meetings, and access to GHC's resources
360° assessment
Executive one-on-one coaching
GHC staff coaching and support
2 in-person overnight retreats with all costs covered (3-4 days/convening)
Mentorship from GHC alumni and partners
Integration into GHC's lifelong global network spanning 40+ countries
Once a fellow, always a fellow. After completing the program, fellows join GHC’s lifelong global network and continue to grow through our robust alumni programming.
We intentionally cultivate a leadership experience that fosters inclusivity and belonging. The U.S. Leadership Accelerator is more than a fellowship—it’s a community.
This program is designed for high-potential, emerging early-career public health leaders committed to personal and professional growth. Public health is a broad field, and we welcome applicants from diverse sectors—including federally qualified health centers, local health departments, state agencies, government agencies, universities, community-based organizations, NGOs, and private sector employers.
We value diversity in public health leadership and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those who bring underrepresented perspectives or lived experiences in navigating health inequities.
We especially welcome applications from those working in understaffed, critical areas of the U.S. health system, including:
To apply, you must:
Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort are now open through Thursday, March 19th. Applications submitted by March 5th will receive priority consideration.
Include your resume, references, demographic information, and short responses to prompts about your leadership experience
A letter of recommendation from your supervisor is required to be considered
Finalists will be selected to conduct an interview with GHC which are expected to take place in May.
All applicants will be notified of their status by June 30, 2026.
Visit our FAQs or email us at [email protected].
Based in East or Southern Africa? Learn more about our Africa Leadership Accelerator.
