Transformative Training through Community-University Co-design

Introduction

Integrating community engagement into MPH programs is essential for preparing students for effective public health practice. ASPPH’s Framing the Future report emphasizes the importance of “community-centered partnerships”; similarly, as we expand our training approaches, we look to move along the community-engaged spectrum towards full collaboration. Through an innovative approach, we engaged MPH students early in their academic career in community-engaged public health practice 1) to support students in better understanding the community they have come to live and work, 2) to introduce students to local organizations we collaborate with to identify and address public health concerns, and 3) to introduce students to best practices of community partnership.

Content

For the past two years, the Community Impact Lab of the Office of Public Health Practice (OPHP) facilitated sessions during student orientation introducing the community engagement framework at YSPH and local community partners, providing them with public health practice training opportunities. Following the Dean’s keynote, OPHP shared the school’s values for public health practice, emphasizing community-codesigned research and initiatives. A panel of community leaders, each with whom YSPH collaborates on community-based initiatives and research, shared their organizations’ mission, collaboration areas, and ways students can engage. Students then participated in eight self-selected themed modules, co-developed and facilitated by a community leader and a YSPH faculty/staff member, providing focused experiential learning sessions. Modules included formal learning opportunities followed by a practice opportunity or training, held on campus or in the community. Topics included environmental health, health-related concerns of unhoused populations, local community health needs assessments, and others.

Impact and Evaluation

A post-program survey, administered via email to registered students, gathered their perspectives on the program. Results indicate the program was well received. In 2024, 100% of responding students (n=31) either somewhat or strongly agreed that they had learned more about the New Haven community and ways to engage with it, with the majority strongly agreeing. Additionally, the vast majority of students (>70%) strongly agreed that they learned key principles of engaging with community partners and gained greater insights into aspects of public health practice, with others somewhat agreeing. Qualitative data reflected students’ appreciation for learning from community partners, better understanding community context, and deepening their public health knowledge. One student responded: “... I learned that understand[ing] history and culture before implementing any project is important.” Suggestions for program improvement included logistical timing and transportation. All community partners expressed interest in participating in future years.

Significance

This community-university co-designed format offered a robust experience, enabling students to learn about and from the community, become aware of ongoing, impactful community-engaged projects, and discover ways to get involved. The findings from this program underscore the significance of co-designed training in public health education. This model enriches students' academic learning and prepares them for real-world challenges, framing the need for deep community involvement alongside practical skill development. Such training approaches are essential for cultivating a competent, empathetic, and proactive public health workforce ready to address complex health issues collaboratively.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will learn about the design of a community engaged, team-based approach to introducing MPH students to public health practice within the community.
• Participants will identify components and processes for program development, replication, and improvement.
• Participants will understand the key benefits for MPH students.