Young Epidemiology Scholars (YES) Competition: Inspiring the Next Generation of Public Health Professionals

Attracting promising students to careers as public health professionals is urgent, yet few students entering college are familiar with the fields of public health or epidemiology. To increase awareness and the numbers of students pursuing careers dedicated to improving the health of the public, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the College Board created the Young Epidemiology Scholars (YES) Competition.

YES is a scholarship and education program designed to expose high school students to the critical field of epidemiology. The program has already attracted a steady and growing stream of bright, interested high school students who have engaged in epidemiological research. Of those surveyed, 64% indicate that their YES experience had an impact on their career plans, and 10% already intend to pursue a Masters of Public Health.

YES seeks to expand the network of public health professionals who would like to get involved with this program. During this session, a panel of presenters will discuss current programmatic activities and future plans to engage more students in public health fields. A leading epidemiologist, who served as a YES Competition judge, will elaborate on the merits of the scholars' work and the implications of the program. YES Scholars will present their award winning research and discuss the impact the Competition had on their academic and career choices. Learn more about being a part of the expanding YES network of public health professionals and others committed to promoting and connecting young people to the fields of public health and epidemiology.