tion, established AEHAP. From the begin- ning, the purpose of AEHAP was to assist and support academic programs accredited by EHAC. Additionally, AEHAP focused on increasing the number of students gradu- ating from these programs and enriching their college experience. Over the years, there have been several student and program-focused eorts led or coordinated by AEHAP. Our longest-run- ning and most impactful program—the Stu- dent Research Competition—launched in 2002. A big part of the competition award is the opportunity for students to present their research projects at the Annual Educational Conference (AEC) & Exhibition hosted by the National Environmental Health Associa- tion (NEHA). From 2002–2024, AEHAP sponsored awards to provide presentation opportu- nities to dozens of environmental health undergraduate and graduate students. Many students who participated in the Student Research Competition and attended the AEC have told us about how this experience led to connections that defined their career trajectories. AEC participation has led to students developing and maintaining a greater understanding of the profession and becoming part of the environmental health community, often as they are just starting their career years. In spring 2024, the first “COVID” class graduated. These were students who started college in 2020 and were mostly remote for several terms. Starting in spring 2021, AEHAP added a Student Symposium for our Student Research Competition award win- ners to virtually present to faculty and peers at programs throughout the U.S. In April 2024, we held our fourth annual Student Symposium with seven students presenting research projects. As much as the Student Research Competition benefits students, it has also been a highlight for many AEHAP board members and volunteers. It has been exciting to participate in selecting award win- ners and to support environmental health students in a way that recognizes excellence. Even with the successes of the Student Research Competition and Student Sympo- sium, the 2023/2024 academic year has been one of reflection on the future of AEHAP. In 2017, the funded partnership between AEHAP and NCEH ended. Despite many
eorts since then, we have been unable to secure funding beyond annual dues and limited reserves. This situation led the cur- rent AEHAP board to understand that the organization was no longer financially sus- tainable and therefore not able to continue to function. In late 2023, an informational meeting was followed by an advisory vote by the AEHAP program membership. This vote informed and confirmed the board’s deci- sion to sunset AEHAP as an organization; the decision was finalized at the January 2024 board meeting. Although the advisory vote was to sunset the organization, mem- ber comments indicated strong support for continuing the Student Research Competi- tion. As of this writing, the AEHAP board and NEHA have worked together to develop a plan to continue the competition under the sponsorship of NEHA beginning in 2025. More information about this transi- tion will come from NEHA in the coming months. We encourage academic programs to support the Student Research Competi- tion through participation and donations as the opportunities are made available. Although this column will be the last under the banner of AEHAP, we are confi- dent the mission and impact of environmen- tal health academic programs will continue to grow as we pass this important commu- nication platform over to the capable hands of the many EHAC volunteers. We will also maintain the AEHAP website (www.aehap. org) for at least the next year to provide a place for updates and information.
faculty, and students. The leadership and council of EHAC oer our sincere gratitude for 25 years of AEHAP endeavors. While AEHAP is closing its doors, we are happy to report that the EHAC organization and EHAC accreditation remain strong at a time when the need for well-prepared envi- ronmental health practitioners continues to grow. EHAC accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Public Health Service, local- and state-level health departments, and private entities for the workforce-ready, high-cali- ber graduates from these programs. In some states, a degree from an accredited program provides benefits in terms of qualifying to take the Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) credential exam. EHAC understands that the number of graduates with environmental health degrees is a drop in the bucket compared to the enormous need for well-educated practitioners who are workforce-ready. As such, EHAC is working with partners on several fronts to increase the number of environmental health programs pursuing EHAC accreditation and students pursu- ing an accredited degree. Initiatives include increased accreditation of environmental health degree programs at tribal and histori- cally Black colleges and universities. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to share the value and importance of nation- ally-accredited degree education with the NEHA membership through the Journal . We look forward to the continued contribution of biannual columns. In the meantime, you can find more information about EHAC on our website (www.nehspac.org). You can also email our executive director (execu tive.director@nehspac.org) to connect with our organization and the volunteers dedi- cated to enhancing the education and train- ing of students in environmental health sci- ence and protection. Corresponding Author: Michele Morrone; Professor, Environmental Health; Chair, Department of Social and Public Health; Ohio University. Email: morrone@ohio.edu
Moving Forward: EHAC
From the EHAC Executive Board It is with a heavy heart that we collaborate on this column regarding the sunsetting of AEHAP. Since 1999, AEHAP has served as a resource for EHAC-accredited programs in the realm of student recruitment and engagement. Through AEHAP and the addi- tional support provided by NCEH and NSF, many students have participated in career development opportunities highlighted by the Student Research Competition presen- tations at the NEHA AEC. AEHAP volun- teer board members have worked diligently to promote and support EHAC-accredited programs by engaging program directors,
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September 2024 • Journal of Environmental Health
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