Public Health and Civic Literacy Program

In partnership with Multnomah County REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health), we are happy to expand our program offerings to include leadership training in social justice, public health, and civic engagement. 

Our Public Health and Civic Literacy Academy is designed to train youth as community investigators to conduct research projects on their chosen topics. Participants will interact with local decision-makers, public health professionals, and academic researchers. Students interested in learning more about how they can help build healthier communities are highly encouraged to apply.

  • Applications open: Mid September to Mid October each year

    Notification of Decision: Mid November

    Student-Parent Orientation & Mixer: First week in December

    Academy Begins: Last week in January

  • • Currently a student in Multnomah County H.S. 9th, 10th, or 11th grade between the ages of 13 and 17

    • Recommended by an ACHIEVE partner organization

    • Interested in public health or public policy

    • Ability to commit to the project timeline

    • Must provide own transport to meeting location(s), FREE Tri-Met Bus passes available

    • Willing to attend program events, and engage in group discussions and activities

    • Ability to commit to the program for it’s full duration (January 2025 through June 2025)

    • Consent to participating in program evaluation related activities (e.g., surveys, interviews)

    • Obtain a parent/guardian signature consenting to student participation. (Note: a parent or guardian must be willing to attend the orientation event)

  • As part of the program, students will

    Learn about health equity challenges and potential policy solutions

    Conduct their  public health research project

    Participate in a college campus visit and field trips

    Receive mentorship from public health professionals and college professors

    Eat delicious, locally-sourced and culturally-relevant foods

    Receive $30 per hour compensation

    Receive a certificate of completion from the Multnomah County Health Department’s REACH program

Important Dates

  • Weekly classes held during the school year on Thursday’s from 4:00pm - 6:00pm

  • Student Presentations: May 29, 2025

  • Academy Ends: June 5, 2025