Learning Beyond the Classroom

Public health education is most impactful when students are actively engaged with the communities they serve. This presentation highlights several semesters of innovative teaching practices implemented within a public health project management course, where students developed and led community outreach initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities. Attendees will learn how service-learning pedagogy can strengthen educational outcomes, build sustainable community partnerships, and provide students with valuable real-world experience. The session also examines the benefits and challenges of integrating collaborative community projects into academic coursework and demonstrates how higher education can contribute directly to local public health improvement efforts.