Prevention Fellowship Program Details

Number of Fellowships The number of Fellowships awarded will be based on the number of applications received and the recommendations of the Prevention Fellowship Program selection committee.

LocationsCSAP has not determined the specific states/localities that will ultimately receive Fellows. Applicants, therefore, should expect to work in state offices or other designated locations, such as local coalitions or universities, within the state they reside. Please note that the program does not pay relocation expenses.

Prevention Fellowship Program mentor agencies are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all Territories and Jurisdictions, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau. Program mentor agencies also include the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA) and the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD).

Program Requirements Upon accepting the Fellowship, the Fellow agrees to:

Carry out assignments outlined in the Fellowship Accomplishment Plan and the job description provided by the mentor agency.
Work a minimum of 128 hours per month (an average of 32 hours per week) with the mentor agency on prevention projects. Because of the time commitment required, CSAP recommends that Fellows do not work outside of the program. Fellows may continue taking coursework in addition to completing their Fellowship training coursework. While this is challenging, many have found that related coursework and outside training are assets to their Fellowship experience.
Submit quarterly reports showing progress and performance on assigned projects.
Attend required trainings throughout the program. Fellows should anticipate attending at least three required trainings during the year. These sessions are held at various locations throughout the country. Each training session typically lasts four days. (See Training and Expenses below.)

Field Work and Projects Fellows are involved in a range of substance abuse prevention activities that include:

Conducting site visits, training, and consultations.
Writing and reviewing grants.
Providing technical assistance.
Performing research.
Serving on peer review, evaluation, and planning committees.
Developing material for outreach presentations, meetings, forums, and training.
Maintaining the state's website prevention output.
Presenting at NPN, URISA Public Health, National Leadership, and other conferences and training sessions.
Coordinating the State SEOW group.
Developing a substance abuse prevention toolkit as part of a substance abuse social marketing campaign.
Planning and implementing successful prevention programs.

The curriculum for the 2009-2010 Fellowship year has not been finalized. Most training will be online and will likely include:

Comprehensive prevention strategies: Key to coalition success.
Principles for prevention partnerships: Valuing cultural diversity.
Presentation and facilitation skills development.
Leading prevention partnerships.
Health communications and social marketing.

Training and Expenses Throughout the first year of the Fellowship, Fellows receive training on the Strategic Prevention Framework's five steps. During the second year, Fellows are trained in specialty concentration areas and on the core competencies related to the field of substance abuse prevention.

CSAP covers travel, lodging, ground transportation to and from the airport and per diem for CSAP-sponsored training programs. Rates are based on the location of the training.

The Prevention Fellowship Program Conference and Training Grant provides funds to assist Prevention Fellows traveling to conferences, trainings, courses and/or seminars that will enhance their knowledge, skills, or competencies in the field of substance abuse prevention. Fellow can receive up to $1,200 to attend conferences or training during their tenure.

The courses and training provided throughout the program are geared towards preparing Fellows to sit for and pass the Certified Prevention Specialist exam offered through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium.

Certification CSAP pays for Fellows to take the Certified Prevention Specialist exam offered through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Inc. Fellows who do not pass the exam must use their own funds to sit for a make up exam.

Stipend, Benefits, and Taxes Fellows receive an annual stipend of $35,000. The purpose of the stipend is to cover Fellows' housing, insurance, and other living expenses.

Because Fellows are CSAP sub-contractors they do not accrue vacation or sick leave and do not receive health insurance.

Additionally, CSAP does not withhold state and federal incomes taxes. Instead, Fellows receive a MISC-1099 form from DB Consulting Group, Inc. for tax reporting. The best source of information regarding tax issues is the Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov).

Application Process Complete the online application and submit two reference letters and a personal essay by the application deadline.