Since 1998, University of South Florida's College of Public Health has implemented a series of Public Health Possibilities (PHP) "pipeline" programs which introduce high school students (many of whom are from groups which are traditionally underrepresented in the health professions) to the wide range of research, service and education opportunities in public health. By July 2001, over 100 PHP students will have been able to "experience" public health through numerous hands-on learning, research and service activities in the classroom and community, during intensive summer academic-residential programs and year-long continuation activities. All of these activities have been facilitated through the College's academic-practice linkages with other University divisions and community organizations. Teams of graduate students, faculty, and community experts demonstrate to the students how they combine their knowledge and skills in the social and physical sciences; health and social services; education; public service; legal and other professions to resolve multifaceted public health issues. In essence, the PHP students learn that public health is a diverse, exciting challenging, yet attainable profession, which they may wish to eventually pursue. See www.hsc.usf.edu/PUBHEALTH/GRANTS/COPHoutreach.htm
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will be able to: (1) Discuss the content of the PHP programs, after participating in a multi sensory exposition of PHP student products (e.g. web pages, yearbooks with student essays, photo albums, posters, rap song video, and PHP game). (2) Describe the challenges and rewards involved in planning, implementing and evaluating a pipeline program to introduce high school students from diverse backgrounds to public health.
Keywords: Public/Private Partnerships, Public Health Careers
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None