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Project MCH PASS (Preparing Academically Successful Students in Maternal MCH PASS trainee works with a child with special needs.& Child Health)

UWM College of Health Sciences is proud to offer a dynamic interdisciplinary program in maternal and child health.

Project MCH PASS provides exemplary undergraduate training preparing future professionals in Occupational Therapy (OT) and Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) from underrepresented groups (African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, males, individuals with disabilities, and individuals who are financially disadvantaged) to serve children with special health care needs and their families.

Project MCH PASS is one of only four MCH training grants awarded nationally by the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the only program of its kind in Wisconsin.

The UWM Partnerships for Healthy Milwaukee, UWM Center for Urban Population Health, CHS Office of Diversity, Milwaukee Public Schools and other community programs are partners in Project MCH PASS. Graduate students from UW-Madison Leadership Education in Neurodevelopment Disabilities (LEND) program serve as mentors for project trainees.

Project MCH PASS is a pipeline training initiative funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources Service Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, grant #T16MC06953 and UWM’s College of Health Sciences.

Who Should Apply
You are encouraged to apply for Project MCH PASS if you:

  • are in your junior year of your College of Health Sciences OT or CSD program,
  • are from an underrepresented group (African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, males, individuals with disabilities, and individuals who are financially disadvantaged) and
  • have a strong academic background or superior performance in employment.


As a Project MCH PASS Trainee, you will be responsible for:

  • satisfactory progress toward completing your program of study,
  • a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in all related professional courses,
  • consultation with project faculty and MCH graduate students
  • acceptance into the graduate program in OT or CSD,
  • exploration of MCH graduate education opportunities and careers, and
  • completion of 5 credits in specialized coursework related to maternal and child public health.

The Project MCH PASS Traineeship Award
The award includes up to three semesters of tuition, and stipend toward books, travel and living expenses. Each award depends on the number of credit hours you take per semester and on the availability of funding.

Applying for the Award
To apply for the Project MCH PASS Traineeship Award, submit a completed application, an official copy of transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Additional materials may be requested as part of your application.

Selection Procedures
All applications will be reviewed by the selection committee, comprised of the Project MCH PASS co-directors. Traineeship awards are based on underrepresented or financial need status, performance in previous academic work, and acceptance into the UWM College of Health Sciences OT or CSD program.

Project MCH PASS
 Project MCH PASS is an undergraduate training program that prepares future Occupational Therapy (OT) and Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) professionals from underrepresented groups to provide culturally competent, interdisciplinary
services to children with special health care needs and their families.

If accepted as a Project MCH PASS Trainee, you will
enroll in:

  • specialized courses and clinical practicum,
  • interdisciplinary seminars and leadership programs,
  • family mentoring activities, and
  • a public health and population-based research seminar.

As a Project MCH PASS Trainee, you will:

  • receive training that is responsive to underserved children with special healthcare needs and their families,
  • learn within an interdisciplinary model, about emerging public health issues related to maternal and child health,
  • interact with leaders who specialize in urban health initiatives,
  • be mentored by MCH graduate students, and
  • have multiple opportunities to interview and observe leaders in public health and population-based research.