ADVANCEMENT OF THE PRACTITIONER
SPOTLIGHT ON NEHA RESOURCES: SUPPORTING STUDENTS
We have enhanced our focus on student development to empha- size engaging students in the environmental health workforce in state, territorial, local, and tribal communities. The environmen- tal health workforce is one of the largest professions in the public health sector, second only to nursing. “We know that about 40% of professionals in the environmental health workforce today plan to leave their jobs in the next few years,” said Dr. David Dyjack, NEHA executive director and CEO. “Our focus on students is a key part of building the next generation of the workforce who is trained and prepared to protect communities from emerging envi- ronmental health threats.” We have always had a focus on student development, such as providing scholar- ships and an internship pro- gram. We have, however, added additional benefits and activities including giving students currently enrolled in environmental health coursework a free 12-month NEHA membership. The benefits of student member- ship include building their networks, growing their skills, and launching their careers. Students can sign up for their free membership at www.neha.org/students. We also offer a wide range of programs and resources for students: Summer 2024 NEPHIP intern Jeremiah Arowolo conducted his internship at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, where he was able to shadow environmental health professionals in their day-to- day roles in the oce and the field. Photo courtesy of Jeremiah Arowolo. • NEHA/AAS Environmental Health Scholarship: These scholar- ships provide financial support to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a dedicated curriculum in environmen- tal health sciences in the U.S. Learn more at www.neha.org/ scholarships. • National Environmental Public Health Internship Program (NEPHIP): NEPHIP is a 400-hr paid internship opportunity that links environmental health undergraduate and graduate students with funded internship placements at qualified state, tribal, local, and territorial environmental public health agen- cies. This workforce initiative supports the establishment of qualified applicant pathways to help meet current and future environmental health professional workforce needs and encour-
ages students to consider careers in governmental environmen- tal public health following graduation. Learn more at www.neha. org/nephip. • Student Research Competition: We have taken up the torch of the Student Research Competition after more than 20 years of coordination by the Association of Environmental Health Academic Programs. The competition is a chance for students to showcase their research projects at our annual conference. Learn more at www.neha.org/student-research-competition. • Environmental Health Grand Rounds Webinar Series: These virtual webinars were specifically chosen for students studying environmental sciences and environmental public health. The series highlights the workforce behind environmental health, and current and emerging environmental hazards, particularly for specific communities. Each session includes a panel discus- sion with environmental health professionals. View past record- ings and see what new webinars are scheduled at www.neha.org/ eh-grand-rounds • Student Career Skills Webinar Series: This series of webinars focuses on student career skills and learning how to show- case their experiences and accomplishments in environmental health. Learn more at www.neha.org/student-webinar-series. • Job Board: Students can launch their careers and find open envi- ronmental health positions from across the country. Learn more at www.neha.org/job-board. • Credentials: Credentials are a benchmark of excellence and can support students in finding jobs after graduation. Our Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) credential verifies competency in the breadth and depth of environmental health issues. If pursuing a career in food safety, students can consider obtaining our Certified Professional–Food Safety (CP-FS) credential, which verifies the knowledge needed to work in this field and to keep the public safe from foodborne illness. Learn more at www. neha.org/credentials. • Resources and Initiatives by Topic: Our resources and ini- tiatives represent the programs and partnerships our team is currently working on to support and improve the practice of environmental health. Students can learn about dierent areas of environmental health, including air quality, climate health, food safety, healthy homes, readiness, vector control, and water quality. Explore these resources at www.neha.org/ practice/neha-initiatives.
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Volume 87 • Number 4
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