Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program
NRHA's Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program is a yearlong training initiative designed to develop a diverse, interprofessional network of rural health leaders from across the country.
Each year, NRHA selects 15 to 20 individuals who have demonstrated a dedication to improving rural health through their professional or community experience. The program prepares participants to lead in their fields, articulate a compelling vision for rural America, and influence health policy at the local, state, and national levels.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Cohort
The National Rural Health Association invites applications for its 2026 Rural Health Fellows cohort.
Applications for the 2026 Rural Health Fellows program are now open.
For more information, please contact Courtney Glover, Program Coordinator.
More About the Program
Rural Health Fellows:
- Participate in monthly virtual sessions focused on leadership development, rural health policy, and professional collaboration.
- Collaboratively develop a policy brief that is reviewed and edited by NRHA and may be used to guide NRHA’s advocacy and policy efforts.
- Meet three times in person at NRHA conferences for leadership training, networking, and workshops:
- NRHA Rural Health Policy Institute – February 2026, Washington, D.C.
- NRHA Annual Rural Health Conference – May 2026, San Diego, California
- NRHA Rural Health Policy Institute & Graduation – February 2027, Washington, D.C.
Applicants must:
- Be NRHA members for at least one year prior to applying and maintain membership throughout the program.
- Demonstrate a commitment to equitable rural health care, reflected in their resume and personal statement.
- Commit to attending all three in-person sessions and fully engage in monthly virtual meetings.
- Be able to cover travel and accommodation expenses, either through personal resources or employer support.
Thanks to a generous sponsor, NRHA offers limited financial support to fellows who may not otherwise be able to participate. Details are provided in the application.
Deepening Understanding of Rural Health Issues
While fellows enter the program with a strong foundation in rural health, the program deepens that knowledge—highlighting key disparities, systems-level challenges, and innovative solutions.
Connect with Rural Health Leaders
Fellows engage with NRHA leadership, board members, policy staff, and each other. Many alumni go on to serve in leadership roles within NRHA and other national rural health organizations.
Create a Policy Paper
Fellows collaborate in small groups to research and write a policy paper on a timely rural health topic. These papers are adapted into policy briefs and published on NRHA’s website to support advocacy.
- Hands-on experience in leadership and advocacy.
- Contribute to real-world rural health policy solutions through the creation of policy briefs
- Connection with a national network of rural health professionals.
- Opportunity to influence NRHA's policy agenda.
- Increase visibility within NRHA and the broader rural health landscape
Application Deadline: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Notification: Applicants will be informed of their acceptance status by October 2025.
Confirmation: Accepted fellows must confirm participation within two weeks of notification.
There is no program fee to participate in the Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program.
However, participants (or their employers/sponsors) must cover the cost of travel and lodging for the three required in-person training sessions.
**Some funding is available to support fellows who may need financial assistance. Please see the application for more details.