Rural Health Professions Program Service Learning Courses
One week. One life changing opportunity.
Service-Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.
These community-engaged courses integrate meaningful reciprocal learning and reflective practice to develop the skills needed for effective work with communities and for social change.
2020 Service Learning Courses - Reserve Your Spot Now!
» Download the 2020 RHPP Service Learning Course Poster
RHPP Service-Learning Courses meet service-learning concentration requirements.
Enrollment requires instructor approval and is open to:
- All Public Health Masters (MPH/MS), Doctoral (DrPH/PhD), and dual degree public health students.
- AHEC Scholars from all health professions (UA-COPH-Tucson/Phoenix, UA-COM-Tucson/Phoenix, UA-COP, UA-CON, ASU-CON, NAU-CON)
- Graduate students from other departments (e.g., LAS, Law, Planning)
- Highly motivated undergraduate students (PHPM 497D/597D)
All Service-Learning Courses require commitment of time and attention to preparation in advance of the course week, and a demanding in-person schedule during the field-week. All necessary meals and lodging are provided by the RHPP. Students are responsible for tuition (1 credit). Courses are capped at 15 students.
Due to high demand for these courses: e-mail the primary course contact NOW to reserve your spot. Enrollment will be facilitated by Student Services when the registrar is open.
PHP 597F – Phoenix Urban Service Learning
• Community: Central Phoenix, Arizona
• Field dates: January 6-10, 2020
• Instructors: Janet Foote and Kim Barnes
• Learn about underserved communities and needs within a large urban center. Explore public health policy and action; interact with state and community-based programs meeting the needs of this diverse metropolitan city.
PHPM 497/597D – Rural Health Service-Learning Institute
• Community: Safford, Arizona
• Field Dates: March 8-13, 2020
• Instructor: Marc Verhougstraete and Teresa Soto
• Explore environmental health and health promotion in Eastern Arizona rural communities through this immersion with community organizations serving the needs of this historical mining and cotton region.
HPS 597B – Maternal and Child Health in Rural Settings Service-Learning Institute
• Community: Hopi and Navajo Nations
• Field Dates: May 17-22, 2020
• Instructors: Amanda Sokan and Agnes Attakai
• Northern Arizona is diverse and expansive. Interact with tribal and rural health systems that serve children and families, with a focus on intergenerational connections and healthy aging.
HPS 597A – Family and Child Health in Urban Settings Service-Learning Institute
• Community: Tucson and Nogales
• Field dates: August 9-14, 2020
• Instructors: Christina Cutshaw; Jennifer Peters; Bryna Koch
• Explore current health and social policy and programs affecting families and children as you are immersed in the diverse organizations and communities that reflect the US-Mexico borderlands.
PHPM 597C – Border Health Service-Learning Institute
• Community: Yuma, Arizona – San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mx.
• Field dates: August 10-15, 2020
• Instructors: Kate Ellingson, Abby Lohr, Mario Trejo, Robert Guerrero
• Explore current health and social policy and programs affecting families and children as you are immersed in the diverse organizations and communities that reflect the US-Mexico borderlands.
Student reflections and feedback from the 2018 courses:
- “This class reinforced how important it is to get out of the classroom and into the community to truly appreciate the strengths and challenges a community has.”
- “In all, this class has helped to reinforce my thoughts on the importance of addressing the whys when we look at a public health problem and the degree we involve/partner with the community when we conduct research projects.”
- “I’m glad I was able to hear from such a diverse set of voices… that I was able to learn about fellow students in such an intensive week.”
- “A key asset in effectively addressing public health issues is social and community connection and integration. Particularly in rural communities, developing authentic and trusting relationships can be the key determinant in whether a health initiative is successful. Both staff of Frontera de Cristo and the members of the DouglaPrieta Works cooperative exemplified a commitment to personal connection that has allowed their organizations to grow in their capacity to provide opportunities to community members.”
- “I love that there are Community Health Workers also doing a different kind of work in the community by addressing some of the basic healthcare deficits that almost always plague a small, somewhat cut-off/separated community. By teaching some of the community members about how to look after their chronic health issues and frequently checking in on and/or building relationships with residents, a sense of togetherness, pride, and comradery is fostered that increases the quality of life for everyone.”
- “The service learning was amazing. I learned so much more than I would have in a classroom. The more I think and reflect on the weeks, the more I learn and get out of it. Seeing shelters, food banks, public transit, NPOs, low income housing in person was so eye opening. I won’t ever forget this experience and there are so many valuable lessons I got out of this week. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to see all the people and places we did.”
- “Seeing these health problems and solutions with my own eyes has given me a totally different perspective and appreciation for what I have and my privilege and how to use it to help others.”
Sponsored by the partnership of the Arizona Area Health Education Centers Program and the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Arizona Center for Rural Health.
