Your  Account:

CSUSM-UCSD Smoke and Vape Free Scholars Initiative Program for Reducing Tobacco Disease in Diverse Communities (SVFSIP)

csusm tabling

Welcome to the CSUSM-UCSD Smoke and Vape Free Scholars Initiative Program for Reducing Tobacco Disease in Diverse Communities (SVFSIP). The program is funded by the California Tobacco Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) and is a partnership between CSUSM and UC San Diego.  

The SVFSIP is mobilizing a new generation of tobacco control researchers and advocates to enact change in their communities. Scholars will spend one year working with a research mentor on an individual prevention or treatment research project. Scholars will also work with a community-based tobacco control specialist on a local advocacy project for a year. Scholars will receive structured education through a research class and weekly seminars and workshops on tobacco control topics and professional development, and receive academic advising, networking, and career guidance.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Interest in health research or advocacy
  2. Two years remaining to complete an undergraduate or Master’s degree at CSUSM

Program Requirements

  1. 15 hours per week devoted to training and education
    • Research internship during Year 1 – 10 hours per week
    • Advocacy internship during Year 2 – 10 hours per week
    • Education in Years 1 and 2 – 5 hours per week including Fridays 12:30PM - 3:30PM
  2. Participation in summer research training program at CSUSM in Year 1 and at external university in Year 2
  3. Attend scientific meeting to present your research
  4. Participate in all CTREE activities

Student Benefits

  1. Annual stipend up to $14,760 for two years
  2. Up to 50% tuition coverage for two years
  3. Obtain "hands-on" research experience with experienced mentor at UCSD, SDSU, CSUSM, or Prevention Research Center, PIRE California
  4. Obtain “hands-on” experience in community organization conducting advocacy work with tobacco priority population
  5. Travel and conference expenses paid
  6. Mentoring by program faculty and staff
  7. Networking opportunities
  8. Graduate school and career guidance
  9. Academic advising and priority registration

Student Posters