Agents of Change (AoC) Fellows Program

Program Overview

We are excited to announce the 2026/2027 SF BUILD Agents of Change Fellowship Program! This newly developed 12-month program offers SFSU students monthly stipends, research placement with a community-engaged biomedical researcher, mentorship and career support for biomedical research in community health.

Program Goals

• Partner SF State students with select SFSU or UCSF Faculty who
  are working on community engaged biomedical research OR
  leading projects that promote community health
• Provide professional development for students interested in
  biomedical science, community engagement, health equity,
  and social justice work
• Connect students to a wider network of professionals and
  students working to advance social justice in biomedical
  science and community health 

Benefits

• Gain experience in Community Engaged Research or Projects
  Strengthen your preparation for graduate or professional
  programs (ie. Master's, PhD, MD/PhD, & MPH)
• Receive financial support for academic and professional
  development activities
• Build relationships through networking, peer mentoring, and
  community building
• Work closely with an SFSU or UCSF faculty mentor

Requirements

• Attend a 1-hour, in-person orientation in September. The date
  will be determined after the fellows are selected
• Create an Individualized Development Plan (IDP) with your
  faculty mentor
• Participate in one AoC workshop a semester
  Actively participate in SF BUILD events and volunteer activities
• Complete 4 reflections through Canvas
• Complete a culminating report back project (ie. final
  reflections, social media post)
• Commit approximately 10-20 hours/week on their assigned
  project (time commitment is dependent on each faculty
  project)

Eligibility

In accordance with Federal and State Law our program does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, health or disability.

• Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or master’s student
  at SFSU, or have graduated from SFSU no earlier than August
  2026
  Intend to pursue graduate or professional school within 1-2
  years
• Demonstrate an interest in biomedical research relevant to
  community health
• Committed to social justice through the use of science
• Not receive funding from another student training program for
  research during any period of the 12-month appointment,
  unless participation in both programs is approved
• Be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Important Notes

1) If you are currently participating in other student researchfunded programs, please contact your program director to
ensure you are within program guidelines if you are selected as
an AoC Fellow.
2) Additionally, you may need to contact the Financial Aid office
to ensure that receiving this award will not exceed your cost of
attendance if you have other awards for the academic year.
3) This award may be taxed. Please visit
https://seo.sfsu.edu/Tax-Information for more information