As Pitt Public Health strives to build bridges to younger generations, we are excited to offer the Public Health Science Academy. The Academy provides a path forward to a rewarding career in public health and other scientific fields for current 10th and 11th grade students at selected public high schools in Pittsburgh.
The intensive four-week program engages students to:
- learn about core concepts relevant to today's most pressing public health issues
- apply public health knowledge through hands-on research projects and group work
- experience public health in the real-world through practice and field trips
The academy takes place June 24-July 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sessions are held at the Pitt Public Health building at 130 DeSoto Street on the University of Pittsburgh campus. Field trips occur to local public health sites. Transportation is provided for all field trips.
Student Testimonial
“This program truly expanded my horizons. Learning about what public health was and the many fields that it contains really helped me to broaden my perspective on topics like health equity, climate change and disease control and prevention.”
-Zahara El Samahy, 2022 Public Health Science Academy participant
Who Should Apply
The Academy will accept applications from current 10th and 11th grade students enrolled in Pittsburgh's public high schools:
- Allderdice High School
- Brashear High School
- CAPA 6-12
- Carrick High School
- Environmental Charter High School
- Milliones 6-12
- Obama 6-12
- Perry High School
- Science and Technology Academy (SciTech)
- Westinghouse Academy 6-12
Eligible students must be academically motivated and have a strong interest in learning about public health science. Find additional eligibility information with the application.
Students who successfully complete the Academy will receive a $1,000 award at the end of the program. Students will also receive support for public transportation to and from the Pitt campus to attend the Academy.
Interested applicants without access to a computer without reliable access to the internet can and should apply. The program provides necessary technical support for participants.
Academy Specifics
This engaging and interactive experience will include field trips for students to witness public health in action, opportunities to meet public health students and professionals, and a mentorship program matching Academy students with a Pitt Public Health faculty member.
WEEKS 1 & 2
Learn core public health concepts and career opportunities through case-based interactive lectures, exercises, and panel discussions.
WEEK 3
Work on case studies and inquiry-based research projects, with emphasis on public health skill-building such as critical thinking and teamwork.
WEEK 4
The academy concludes with a symposium featuring students' presentations about their research projects.
Schedule Information
One June 28, there may be a longer field trip or activity extending beyond 12:30 p.m. Details will be provided as soon as available. The Academy will not be held on July 4 and 5 in observance of Independence Day.
