ADVANCEMENT OF THE PRACTICE
ship placements available for students in programs accredited by EHAC provides ever greater opportunities for students to com- plete internship requirements for undergrad- uates and more opportunities for graduate students to gain practical experience. Many times, these internships are direct pipelines to employment with local public health departments. Recent marketing and pro- gram recruitment support that is focused on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has been impactful, allowing EHAC to conduct eective on-site program recruit- ment visits.” Under the expanded NEPHIP model, we launched the NEPHIP Career Mentorship Program. The mentorship program offers NEPHIP interns unparalleled opportuni- ties for career development and guidance by connecting interns with experienced envi- ronmental health professionals employed in STLT public health agencies. The cor- nerstone of this mentorship program is the participation of professionals who have successfully completed our highly regarded Environmental Health Leadership Academy (EHLA). With its rigorous 12-month train- O ering Mentorship and Career Guidance “The increased number of internship placements available for students in programs accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council provides ever greater opportunities for students to complete the internship requirements for undergraduates and more opportunities for graduate students to gain practical experience.” – Leslie Mitchell, Executive Director, National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council
cation process such as primary language, English proficiency as a second language, gender identity, and disability. Furthermore, a statement of explanation was added to the demographics section to emphasize the vital importance of collecting this information, recognizing its potential to foster a more rep- resentative and equitable program. We are currently developing a dedicated diversity section on our NEPHIP webpage that will serve as an informative platform, elucidating the significance of diversity and inclusion to our organization. Under the revised version of NEPHIP, we have engaged the Association of Environ- mental Health Academic Programs (AEHAP) and EHAC to implement targeted strategies through direct outreach and promotion of the internship program to institutions accredited by EHAC that serve racial-ethnic minorities. This proactive approach ensures that stu- dents from underrepresented communities have increased awareness and access to the internship program. By focusing on promoting the program to diverse institutions, we aim to attract a broader range of talented individuals who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the environmental public health field. This com- mitment to diversity not only fosters a more inclusive and equitable internship program but also contributes to the development of a diverse workforce that can eectively address the complex environmental health challenges faced by communities across the nation. We have also taken proactive steps to sup- port and engage EHAC in expanding the number of EHAC-accredited programs and promoting diversity within the field. Recog- nizing the importance of increasing the repre- sentation of institutions that serve racial-eth- nic minorities, we collaborated with EHAC to provide guidance, resources, and technical assistance to these institutions to consider pursuing EHAC accreditation. By assisting EHAC in building its capacity and outreach eorts, we aim to foster a more inclusive and diverse landscape of accredited environmen- tal health programs. This strategic partner- ship between NEHA and EHAC strengthens the accreditation process while promoting greater diversity and inclusion within envi- ronmental health education. As Leslie Mitchell, EHAC executive direc- tor, notes, “The increased number of intern-
ing program, EHLA equips graduates with a comprehensive skill set that encompasses management strategies, environmental health risk assessment, eective commu- nication, community mobilization, equity advocacy, organizational infrastructure, evaluation and quality improvement, and performance management. NEPHIP interns now have the exclusive opportunity to engage in career mentorship sessions with these accomplished EHLA graduates. The mentorship program focuses on oering timely and credible career advice, aiding interns in navigating the multifac- eted field of environmental health, explor- ing diverse career paths, and keeping abreast of the evolving landscape of the profession. The mentorship sessions enable interns to tap into the rich knowledge and practical experi- ences of the EHLA graduates, who are eager to share their insight and expertise. “The NEPHIP mentorship program helped me make meaningful connections and oered valuable career guidance,” stated Nikita Nunez, a spring 2023 NEPHIP intern. She added that being accepted into the men- torship program introduced her to many opportunities. She mentioned that the “men- tors in this field were quite exceptional in providing real-life expectations and shared the educational insights and resources needed to become instruments within the environmental public health workforce.” Christopher Walker, NEHA senior program analyst, commented that “having access to EHLA graduates, who are recognized lead- ers in the environmental health community, provides our interns with a wealth of knowl- edge and guidance as they embark on their professional journeys.” By connecting NEPHIP interns with these esteemed mentors, the program fosters the growth of professional networks within the environmental health community. Interns are encouraged to forge lasting connections, potentially identifying future mentors or col- laborators who can oer ongoing support and guidance throughout their careers. Further- more, the program empowers interns to gain practical skills while developing a profound understanding of the environmental health landscape from experienced professionals. This unique opportunity lets interns lay a solid foundation for their future careers, posi- tioning them as the next generation of envi-
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Volume 86 • Number 3
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