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CHALLENGES

Explore our Current Challenge.

Current Challenge

March Research Challenge: Health Inequality

Submission Deadline: March 31st at 11:59 PM
Format: Research Paper or Literature Review
Word Limit: 2,000 words maximum

Overview

Healthcare access and outcomes remain deeply unequal across communities and nations. From racial and socioeconomic disparities to gaps in mental health services and maternal care, health inequity continues to impact millions.

This month, HEAL invites students to explore a topic related to health inequality through a formal research paper or literature review. Submissions should be grounded in scholarly research and demonstrate critical thinking, analytical depth, and evidence-based reasoning.

All papers will undergo a peer-review process. Accepted submissions will be published on the HEAL website to promote youth-driven research and awareness.

Eligible Topics May Include

  • Racial and socioeconomic health disparities

  • Global health inequality

  • Maternal mortality and reproductive health access

  • Environmental health injustice

  • Mental health access disparities

  • Preventative care and systemic barriers

  • Any related topic addressing inequitable health outcomes

Award

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First Place Will Receive:

  • Featured spotlight on the HEAL website and social media

  • $30 gift card of the winner’s choice

  • Official endorsement and letter of recommendation (upon request)

Academic Support

To support participants in developing strong research skills, HEAL is partnering with MARS (Medical Association of Research Scholars).

MARS will host two virtual research seminars during March, covering:

  • Selecting a focused research topic

  • Conducting academic database research

  • Structuring and organizing a literature review

  • MLA citation formatting

Students interested in attending must complete the seminar registration form.

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Seminar Dates

March 14th at 6:30 PM (EST)

March 21st at 6:30 PM (EST)

Submission Requirements

To be considered, all submissions must:

  • Be a maximum of 2,000 words

  • Follow MLA format

    • 12-point Times New Roman

    • Double-spaced

    • 1-inch margins

  • Include proper in-text citations

  • Include a Works Cited page

  • Reference at least 5 scholarly sources (peer-reviewed journals preferred)

  • Be submitted as a PDF document

First-Place Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for first place, students must:

  • Be a member of the HEAL Slack community

  • Follow HEAL on Instagram or TikTok

Slack link

HEAL Instagram

HEAL TikTok 

The HEAL Project

​The HEAL Project is 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization

© The HEAL Project 2025

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