The Public Health Launchpad
Are you curious about how communities stay healthy or what happens when they don’t? This two‑week pre‑college program immerses high school students in the fast‑growing field of public health where science, communication, and community care intersect to protect and improve lives. Through interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and collaborative projects, students explore how public health professionals prevent disease, respond to health emergencies, and address the complex challenges facing communities today.
Participants gain a strong foundation in core public health concepts while discovering diverse career pathways from epidemiology and data analysis to health education and policy. Along the way, they build practical skills in critical thinking, research, communication, and ethical use of emerging technologies.
Designed to offer an authentic preview of college‑level learning, this program helps students strengthen academic readiness, explore future career options, and even workshop materials for college applications. Whether you’re interested in medicine, science, policy, or simply understanding how health shapes our world, this experience empowers you to think critically and act responsibly in an interconnected society, while preparing students for college life.
This course is offered at the UMass Charles River campus as a residential program. Local students may apply to attend as a commuter.
The program consists of mini-lectures, guest speakers, class discussions, group work, and topics that include:
- The foundations of public health and why it matters
- Major health challenges facing communities today
- Career paths in public health—from epidemiology to health education
- Key concepts in public health and identify pressing health issues
- Analytic and communication tools used by public health professionals
Software programs that students will use/learn: RAYYAN, R Studio, Canva, ZOTERO, ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Final Project: Students will conduct a mini-systematic review and develop a live public health educational campaign on Instagram. Additionally, students will present their campaign to fellow students, colleagues, and invited parents.
Pre-Requisites
There are no pre-requisites for this program.
Materials
Students should bring a laptop or tablet.
By the end of the course, students will gain:
- Early exposure: provides a realistic preview of what a public health major or career entails and a realistic experience of living on a college campus.
- Skill development: provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific research.
- Career exploration: provides students with the opportunity to explore different professions within public health, from medicine to policy while learning the foundational concepts of public health.
- Academic preparation: provides students with functional coursework related to applying to college, such as a workshop and peer-review session to write their college essay, job application, or resume.
Class time is Monday - Friday from 9 am - 4 pm.
|
Time |
Activity |
|
9:00 AM–9:55 AM |
Activity: Who am I in Public Health? |
|
10:00 AM–10:55 AM |
Guest Lecture: What is Public Health Careers in Public Health |
|
11:00 PM–11:55 PM |
Application Activity: Locate job posting for career in public health What skills will be needed? What education is needed? CV/Resume? |
|
12:00 PM–1:15 PM |
Lunch |
|
1:15 PM–1:55 PM |
Cover Letter Workshop and Peer Review |
|
2:00 PM–3:30 PM |
Group Project - Choosing a public health topic |
|
3:30 PM–4:00 PM |
Class 'Reflection of Day' discussion |
In the evenings and on weekends resident counselors will run a series of social activities. Students are encouraged to join in, relax and have fun with new friends! With social events on campus and in the surrounding Amherst area, and access to the UMass Recreation & Wellness Center, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Learn more about student life at UMass Amherst Summer Pre-College
Meet the Faculty
Ann-Marie Sylvia, Lecturer, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Ann-Marie completed an MPH (2023) in Epidemiology and a PhD in Kinesiology (2025) here at UMASS Amherst before joining the Biostatistics and Epidemiology department to teach and conduct research in the Public Health Sciences and iCONS programs. Her research focuses on intersection of physical activity, public health, and neurodivergence. Ann-Marie is an avid endurance runner and in 2022, alongside her husband, set a Guinness World Record for completing 11 half-marathons, in 11 consecutive days, in 11 different States.
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