Community Health Worker Training Program for High School Students & Young Adults
The HSCHW program is now 100% virtual.
The High School & Young Adults Community Health Worker training program is a year long training program that seeks to increase the number of trained HSYACHWs to engage family, peers and community in strategies for better health and wellness.
Objectives of the HSYACHW training program are to:
- Increase the number of trained student community health workers to assist with community health programs in underserved communities.
- Provide a health careers pipeline program and mentorship for underserved students.
- Support and promote the community health worker field.
- Promote health education and health literacy in schools and community.
- Assist trained HSYACHWs with the design and implementation of school-based and community-based health initiatives.
- Provide health monitoring and health literacy activities to students’ family members and community members.
During the MSM HSYACHW summer program, students undergo a 7-week training utilizing the Morehouse School of Medicine HSYACHW Digital Learning Curriculum. The MSM HSYACHW training includes a combination of virtual shadowing experiences, self-guided and facilitated curriculum activities, and interactive virtual sessions led by medical and public health professionals. Upon successfully completing program requirements, students receive a certificate of completion and engage in 50 additional hours of monthly continuing education as part of the school year engagement component.
Competencies
| CPR Training | Role of a CHW | Mental Health |
| Capacity Building | Leadership | Self-Care |
| Communication | Chronic Disease | Ethics |
| Motivational Interviewing | Health 101 | Vitals |
| Social Determinants | Health Equity | Population Health |
| GIS Mapping | Nutrition | ACA Health Insurance Navigation |
| Cultural Competency | Advocacy | Case Management |
| Data Management | Service Coordination | Community Engagement |
| Safety | Exercise | Public Speaking |
Eligibility
Rising 10th–12th grade students and recent High School graduates from anywhere in the United States.
The program includes: online instruction and materials, facilitated sessions, virtual field training, continuing education during the school year (monthly), a competency exam, job training and placement assistance (for HS graduates), college applications assistance and a CHW training completion certificate. Students will need a smart phone, computer or tablet, internet access, a blood pressure cuff, a thermometer, a tape measure and a portable scale. There are a limited number of scholarships available to support students with equipment needs.
Program Highlights
Student-Led Community Health Projects
During the summer training, students work in groups to brainstorm and develop a community
and/or school-based health project to be implemented during the school year in conjunction
with local community-based organizations and school partners.
Students are supported through the project implementation and are assisted with report
writing. The student community projects are implemented with kick-offs scheduled for
the late winter/early spring (Feb-April).
Shadowing Experiences
Students will complete virtual shadowing in a variety of settings including: a community clinic, a community garden, a mental health counseling center and others. Students gain exposure to community social determinants affecting health.
Family & Community Monitoring
Each trained student monitors five family/community members monthly. Using the equipment
provided, students conduct monitoring, measuring, connecting, encouraging, problem
solving and reporting activities. Students learn skills including: motivational interviewing,
taking and understanding vital signs, data analytics and population health, data management
skills, case management skills, and compliance.
Be sure to check out our Innovation Learning Laboratory for Population Health and see our feature story in YES! Magazine.
Applications
June Enrollment - Applications open January1, 2022 and are due on March 31,2022!
CHW Goes Online
Like what you see? Then this is for you! Due to high demand and great outcomes, we are expanding the program to an online format designed to meet the needs of students and communities who desire community health worker training opportunities but who also require freedom from the constraints of time and location. Learn more about how to bring this program to your school or organization.
Contact Us
For more information, contact:
Amina Isom, MPH
Program Manager
Innovation Learning Laboratory for Population Health
Morehouse School of Medicine
404.756.1287
hschwprogram@msm.edu
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