If an extension is granted, second-year fellows will again be allocated professional development funds to embark on approved professional development opportunities. For reference, please review the categories of approved opportunities on this form.
The amount of allocated funds will be prorated based on extension length as shown in the chart below.
Allocated funds depending on extension length:
| Extension Length | Allocated Funds |
| 1-3 months | $1,000 |
| 4-6 months | $2,000 |
| 7-9 months | $3,000 |
| 10-12 months | $4,000 |
Approved professional development opportunities/purchases are intended to support the fellow’s growth while in the program by enhancing their knowledge and skillset to assist them with their fellowship project(s). Please keep in mind that the allocated funds are meant to defray expenses associated with approved professional development opportunities and may not necessarily cover the entire cost of the expense(s).
** Fellows are required to submit a professional development request prior to making purchases or attending an event. Funds cannot be used retroactively.**
Per CDC, these funds cannot be used for equipment purchases (i.e., laptops). These funds are for fellows and not host laboratory or agency personnel. Funds are not transferable between years. Remaining funds are not eligible for disbursement after a fellow has concluded their fellowship year.
Professional development requests will only be approved if the fellow is in good standing within the program and has completed all program requirements to date. If the fellow is not in good standing, their request will be denied, and the fellow will be notified of the corrective action(s) needed.
The APHL Fellowship Team will regularly communicate possible professional development opportunities to all fellows via the monthly fellow newsletter, the “Professional Development Opportunities” section listed near the bottom of the program webpage, and the Fellowship
ColLABorate Community.
The amount of professional development funds increased from the first year as second-year fellows are highly encouraged to attend an in-person experiential learning opportunity as part of their professional development.
A list of suggested, approved in-person experiential learning opportunities is below:
- The conference occurs annually in May. If fellows plan to attend, they will need to reserve some of their allocated professional development funds to do so. Further details will be shared with fellows as the conference approaches.
2. Attend another appropriate scientific conference other than the APHL Annual Conference
3. Attend an on-site training/immersion experience at another laboratory
4. Attend the Public Health Laboratory Fellow Leadership Training
- The training is currently limited to second-year fellows with a master's or doctorate degree.
- The training typically takes place at APHL Headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland and can occur at any time in the year.
- If fellows plan to attend, they will need to reserve some of their allocated professional development funds to do so. Further details will be shared with fellows once the training is confirmed.
Please read: Additional details about each of the above approved in-person experiential learning opportunities are listed in this
*reference guide*. Fellows are always encouraged to contact the APHL Fellowship Team at
[email protected] with any questions.
General Request and Disbursement Information:
The allocated professional development funds will be disbursed through a disbursement process following an approved request. The request and disbursement process will be analogous to the process followed during the fellow’s first fellowship year.
This
overview guide provides in-depth detail about the parameters surrounding the professional development request and disbursement process and should be reviewed prior to submitting a request.
The following steps outline the professional development request and disbursement process:
1. Submit a professional development request
form prior to making purchases or attending an event.
- *Please note: a breakdown of ALL expense estimates will need to be included in the request form.
- The submitting fellow will receive a submission summary email, indicating their submission was received.
2. The fellowship team will review the request. If approved, the submitting fellow will receive an approval email, along with flight information, if applicable.
It is HIGHLY SUGGESTED that this approval email is saved for future reference as the email contains important information and instructions.
3. If approved, funds will be disbursed in the fellow’s next or subsequent stipend payment.
a. If the new/revised request is approved and the flight is booked (if applicable) by the 15th of the month, funds will be disbursed in the same month's stipend payment.
OR
b. If the new/revised request is approved and the flight booked (if applicable) after the 15th of the month, funds will be disbursed in the following month's stipend payment.
4. Once the funds are disbursed as part of the stipend payment, fellows will embark on the opportunity where they will proceed with making travel arrangements (if applicable) and use the disbursed funds to make all associated purchases.
If the opportunity requires air travel, the fellow will not pay for their flight out of pocket but will instead book airfare through the APHL Travel Site. The cost of the flight will be deducted from the allocated disbursable funds. See the airfare instructions guide below.
Following the opportunity, fellows MUST complete the required
‘Highlight Your Experience’ form to confirm they embarked on the approved opportunity.
- The form will be provided to fellows when applicable
- For non-travel opportunities, fellows have two weeks from when the funds were disbursed to complete the form
- For travel-related opportunities, fellows have one week from the conclusion of the event to complete the form.
Effective February 1, 2026, proof of purchase or attendance must be submitted through the Highlight Your Experience form after the event, once funds have been disbursed. Acceptable proof includes a registration confirmation email, conference badge, or receipt showing your name and event date, as well as screenshots, confirmations, or photos taken at the event to demonstrate participation.
**It is REQUIRED that fellows complete the ‘Highlight Your Experience’
form;
otherwise the amount of disbursed funds will be withheld from a future stipend payment. Failure to complete the form signifies the fellow did not embark on the opportunity.
Please set a reminder to not forget to complete this required form.
Please note the following:
- Any unused professional development funds from a fellow’s first fellowship year cannot be rolled over into a fellow’s extended second year.
- The amount of disbursed funds will be tracked by the fellowship team and the fellow will have a balance of remaining funds up until they have reached the allocated threshold.
- New requests for subscriptions, memberships and exam preparation materials submitted within the last 90 calendar days of the fellowship, and all new requests submitted within the last 30 calendar days, will not be approved except on a case-by-case basis as this time frame hinders the fellow’s ability to maximize the use of resources during their fellowship.
- If a fellow has already received the funds but needs to cancel a request due to last-minute changes (sudden illness, etc.) then they still need to notify the APHL Fellowship Team prior to the opportunity taking place/incurring expenses so APHL can take applicable action. The amount of disbursed funds will determine the next steps.
- The approval email sent to fellows will include an airfare instruction guide that explains how to book a flight via the APHL Travel Site.
- ** Fellows are REQUIRED to submit a professional development request for the event they are planning to attend FIRST. Once the request is approved, fellows MUST book airfare through the APHL Travel Site. **
- The APHL Travel Site is only for flights for approved professional development opportunities. If the flight involves personal travel, then the fellow will pay out of pocket for the personal portion.
- Fellows are NOT allowed to book flight arrangements until they have received an approval confirmation email from the Fellowships Team.
