Tougaloo College Scholars Named American Heart Association HBCU Scholars

Tougaloo College is proud to announce that two of its scholars, Ms. Jada Hall and Ms. Reina Hartfield, have been selected for the prestigious American Heart Association (AHA) HBCU Scholars Program. This achievement places them among a select group of scholars from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide, chosen for their academic excellence and commitment to advancing health equity.

Breaking Barriers in Health Sciences

Two exceptional Tougaloo scholars join the fight for health equity through groundbreaking research opportunities

About the AHA HBCU Scholars Program

The AHA HBCU Scholars Program, now in its eighth year, seeks to address the critical underrepresentation of Black professionals in biomedical and health sciences. By offering hands-on research opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development, the initiative empowers students to bridge the gap in health equity.

Meet the Scholars

Jada Hall

Ms. Jada Hall, a junior chemistry major from Gulfport, Mississippi, is a President's List Scholar and recipient of the Tougaloo College Presidential Academic Scholarship. She also serves as a Jackson Heart Study Scholar Cohort Leader, Editor of Torch for the National Pre-Alumni Council, and Public Relations Chair for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Jada aspires to become a pharmacist, addressing health disparities in marginalized communities.

Reina Hartfield

Ms. Reina Hartfield, a senior biology major from Wiggins, Mississippi, is an ambassador for the Jackson Free Clinic and a participant in the Jackson Heart Study. She is deeply committed to health equity, inspired by her family's battles with cardiovascular disease. Reina plans to pursue a career in medical research, continuing her work as a member of the Society of Black Pathologists and the NAACP College Council.

The Scholars Program

The Association's HBCU Scholars are enrolled in biomedical or other health sciences programs at their respective institutions. Through their participation in the program, they will study how the social determinants of health and other health disparities impact underserved communities. They will also participate in scientific research projects and present their findings at the end of the program.

"Since 2015, the American Heart Association HBCU Scholars program has helped change the trajectory of dozens of under-represented students in science and medicine by fostering their talent, preparedness and growth to pursue careers in biomedical science," said American Heart Association former volunteer president Michelle A. Albert, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA.

The program is funded nationally by a grant from the Quest Diagnostics Foundation, which also supports the Association's Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI) Scholars Program.

Students are selected based on their GPA, formal applications including essays, and school recommendations. They are paired with mentors, participate in leadership development, and receive stipends to support education-related expenses.

Research shows that lack of diversity in health care contributes to implicit bias and trust issues, underscoring the need for initiatives like the HBCU Scholars program.

Impact on Health Equity

The selection of Ms. Hall and Ms. Hartfield represents more than individual achievement—it signifies Tougaloo College's continued commitment to producing leaders who will address critical health disparities in underserved communities. Both scholars bring unique perspectives and experiences that will enhance their research and future contributions to the field of health sciences.

Through this program, they will gain invaluable experience in biomedical research while developing the skills and networks necessary to become leaders in their respective fields. Their work will contribute to the broader mission of improving health outcomes for all communities, particularly those that have been historically underserved.