Meaningful Engagement

Are you eager to have impact NOW?

The New Haven PAWS Project (Poverty Alleviation through Washing Soles)

Students distribute shoes and provide foot care to people who are homeless.

Applied Practice

At YSPH, you will find other students, faculty and staff addressing pressing public health issues through meaningful connections with local and global community partners. A wealth of local, national, and global experiential and service learning opportunities are available to you including:

The Applied Practice Experience

The applied practice experience (APE) is a graduation requirements for all two-year MPH students. The APE meets Council on Education for Public Health guidelines for applied public health practice and is required by all students completing their MPH at an accredited school or program. The APE provides a robust opportunity for the application of public health knowledge and skills, exposing students to real-world challenges and application of what they have learned in class. Students work with local, national and international organizations and often describe this time as seminal experiences, not just in their education, but in their life journeys. This Public Health Practice experiences typically occur in the summer after students' first year. They can take the form of a summer internship but can also be a volunteer or other placement with a community organization. These experiences are carefully planned and supported by the Career Management Center and the Office of Public Health Practice. Students may apply for funding assistance for unpaid internships from the Downs Fellowship, Stolwijk Fellowship and many other funds through the school in the spring prior to their internship.

Practicum Courses

YSPH offers practicum courses for additional applied practice learning opportunities. The practicum courses offer unique opportunities to work in multidisciplinary teams and across schools. Students in the Advanced Professional or Accelerated MPH/MBA programs typically fulfill their practice-based requirement through this coursework.

Community Service and Engagement

Local organizations rely on volunteers to provide vital services in the community. Whether volunteering at a soup kitchen or coordinating food drives, there are many opportunities to contribute to our local community. The Office of Public Health Practice can also assist you in making connections with local organizations,

Student Groups/Organizations

At YSPH, you’ll find a number of student-led groups and organizations that offer consulting, volunteering, and community engagement. Whatever your interests, there are a wide variety of opportunities to work with your peers to increase community organization capacity and address public health issues.

Social Entrepreneurship

Today’s public health challenges require innovative solutions. YSPH offers opportunities to utilize and hone your social entrepreneurship skills to tackle the ever-changing local and global health landscape. Several university-wide initiatives offer training, funding and awards specifically for social entrepreneurs including:

Independent projects

Have an idea to address a public health issue? The Office of Public Health Practice is here to help you think through your project and make connections with community leaders and organizations.

Research Opportunities

In addition to course work and departmental thesis or capstone projects, YSPH houses numerous interdisciplinary research centers and programs that afford students the opportunity to work and conduct research. Learn more about these centers on the research section of the School's website.

Research and educational opportunities are also available throughout the Yale community. Community service is encouraged and our students volunteer with groups such as: HealthCore, the Haven Free Clinic and the Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE). The Student Association Yale School of Public Health (SAYPH) includes a Community Service Committee that focuses on finding projects for students throughout Yale and the New Haven community.