Program Overview
Are you looking to make a meaningful difference through community action during your time at GW? The DC Metro Urban Health Program (UHP) offers a unique opportunity for students to make an impact in the community.
UHP is a public health-focused service-learning initiative for residential students at the GW School of Public Health that fulfills many students’ academic and/or graduation requirements. The program provides students with an opportunity to apply the public health knowledge they learn in the classroom to community-based practice within the greater DC community while developing essential team and leadership skills. This year-long academic opportunity provides students from a range of disciplines and areas of public health study the opportunity to participate in meaningful and responsible community work with community partners and contribute to social change.
Urban Health Scholars will participate in a learning community comprised of undergraduate and graduate students, UHP student mentors, and community partner mentors. Working together, the learning community will implement projects identified by community partners, and the scholars will apply their knowledge of public health best practices and skills to address these urgent priorities.
Scholars will also participate in service-learning training to acquire the tools necessary for meaningful, mutually beneficial engagement with community partners. Community Conversations will be held monthly and provide scholars with an opportunity to participate in critical thinking and reflection activities to evaluate their service experience in the context of larger public health issues and their role and participation in the community.
Does this sound like a rewarding experience to you? Apply to become an Urban Health Scholar!
- way to participate
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Apply to be an Urban Health Scholar for the 2024-2025 academic year. UHP is currently accepting applications through Friday, August 30, 2024. This opportunity is open to GWSPH undergraduate and graduate students enrolled throughout the entire 2024-2025 academic year.
- contact
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If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us. [email protected]!
- Community Partners
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DC Public Schools (DCPS)
UHP has partnered with two DCPS schools, Jackson Reed High School and Eastern High School, and through these partnerships, scholars have been involved in projects that help improve high school students’ knowledge of STEM and public health.
Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)
LAYC provides bilingual programs and opportunities in academics, career readiness, safe housing, and health and wellness to help youth successfully transition into young adulthood. Scholars provide educational training on topics related to youth substance abuse prevention, NARCAN management, and health promotion.
Housing expansion
Housing Up builds vibrant communities in Washington, D.C. by developing affordable housing and providing comprehensive support services to homeless and low-income families. Scholars have supported Housing Up projects in the areas of adult health literacy and family and youth engagement.
Do you represent a community-based organization in the DMV area and are interested in becoming a UHP Community Partner? Apply here.
