Tufts University School of Medicine

Colleen Romain Scholarship

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is the nation's oldest and largest student run organization dedicated to the needs of minority premedical and medical students. We are dedicated to raising awareness about minority issues, community service, supporting minority students through their education, and increasing the number of minority medical professionals. In an effort to help educate our communities, the Tufts chapter of the SNMA has established a scholarship fund to aid young students in obtaining their goals of higher education. We have named this fund after an individual whom we feel had dedicated her life to helping others to fulfill the goals that SNMA strives to achieve.

Ms. Colleen Romain was the Director for Multicultural Affairs and Student Programs at Tufts University School of Medicine. She worked at Tufts for over 30 years before retiring in 2013, and was the first African-American to hold such an administrative position at Tufts. During her time here, Ms. Romain made numerous contributions to the Tufts community including establishing the first Minority High School Research Apprenticeship Program at Tufts University. During her 30 years of service, she saw over 750 minority students receive their medical degrees. In addition to her duties at Tufts University School of Medicine, she was active in many organizations, including the National Association of Minority Medical Educators, the Tufts University Cultural Diversity Committee, and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), of which she is a past chair of the Northeast Minority Affairs section.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible students must be graduating, Massachusetts high school students belonging to one of the following ethnic groups: Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latino/Chicano, Native American, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Island. Applicants must provide proof of acceptance at a college or university. Each applicant should demonstrate commitment to his/her community through participation in continued volunteer or service experiences. Additionally each applicant should show that he/she is striving for academic excellence. There is no minimum GPA requirement but your transcript or recommendation letters should reflect a dedication to academic excellence.

Application Requirements

  • Completed Application Form
  • 1 Letter of Recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor who can address your academic efforts and/or accomplishments*
  • 1 Letter of Recommendation from someone you have worked with who can address your community involvement*
  • Official School Transcript*
  • A copy of your acceptance letter to a college or university.

* Please submit each one of these documents in a sealed envelope with an official signature or stamp across the seal.

Award: minimum $500 scholarship

Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. Questions can be directed to Marlene Jreaswec, Program Manager, Office for Multicultural Affairs, via email or 617-636-0992.

Application and supporting materials should be sent to:
Carol Sue Poindexter,
Staff Assistant, Office of Student Affairs
Tufts University School of Medicine
136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111
Tel : 617-636-6534
Fax: 617-636-0432