Engaged Community Partner Initiative

GVSU’s Master of Public Health Program and Kent County Health Department (KCHD) collaborate to provide mutually beneficial service-learning experiences through our ongoing Engaged Community Partner Initiative. Students enrolled in the GVSU Master of Public Health (MPH) program participate in a minimum of three engaged learning opportunities with KCHD which align with the partnership framework and MPH curriculum. Our planning committee consists of two representatives from the community partner organization, three GVSU Public Health faculty members, and four students currently enrolled in the MPH program. Student committee members represent two current graduate cohorts in both the traditional and hybrid learning-style and participate in differing MPH emphases (health promotion and epidemiology). The planning committee provides recommendations and guides applied learning opportunities within strategically selected classes. An evidence-based three-phase development model was adopted to guide our work. The model helps to ensure that the engagement opportunities for each cohort move though exposure, capacity building, and responsibility with the strategic partner. Classes are identified based on the community partner needs and learning opportunities vary across. Examples from the current cohort will be shared during this presentation. Future plans related to this initiative will also be disseminated.



Page last modified March 19, 2023