The SPARK AWARD is a scholarship program that was begun to help “spark” an interest in residents who might be considering a career in Allergy/Immunology (A/I). The SPARK program annually awards scholarships of $1700  to help cover the expenses for residents to spend three days (Friday ‐ Sunday) at the ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting. Recipients of the SPARK AWARD are mentored by an Allergy Fellow in Training (FIT) and have the opportunity to attend a wide variety of sessions covering all aspects of Allergy/Immunology, and interact with training directors and other allergists. Past participants rated this experience as very valuable and a key factor in their decision to choose a career in allergy. 

This year, the ACAAI is happy to announce the to announce the expansion of applications for the SPARK Program.  This will be the 8th year of our highly successful program that was previously limited to Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residents considering a career in Allergy/Immunology.  We would like to extend this unique opportunity to medical students at one of four historically Black medical colleges (HBCU) who are interested in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Meds-Peds residencies in the hopes of sparking an early interest in ultimately considering Allergy & Immunology. 

The ACAAI will award eight SPARK Outreach scholarships (2 per HBCU) to help cover expenses for medical students to spend three days Friday, October 25 – Sunday, October 27, 2024 at the ACAAI Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. Recipients will be mentored by a Fellow-in-Training (FIT) and will have the opportunity to attend a wide variety of sessions covering all aspects of Allergy & Immunology, including a special FIT symposium.

Additionally, this program will provide community allergist mentors in order to create a more longitudinal mentorship experience for these SPARK participants and maintain interest in the field of allergy/immunology through the rest of medical school and residency.
Selected recipients will receive:

  • $1,700 provided to help cover expenses for three days at the ACAAI Annual Meeting. Recipients will attend a wide variety of sessions covering all aspects of A/I, including a special Fellows-in-Training (FIT) symposium. The Annual Meeting is Oct. 24 - 28 in Boston, MA
  • Mentorship - each SPARK recipient is paired with a FIT to serve as a mentor during the meeting (and beyond).

Who can apply: SPARK awards are open to current 4th year, 3rd year and 2nd year medical students with an interest in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. Applicants must be enrolled at one of the following medical schools: Howard, Meharry, Morehouse or Drew.

Applications are closed as of April 24, 2024.

Notification to awardees will be sent on May 20, 2024.