ServeMinnesota, in partnership with the University of Minnesota, will recruit 150 people to support community public health needs statewide.
MINNEAPOLIS (April 12, 2022) – Minnesota Public Health Corps, a new AmeriCorps program to increase immediate capacity within the public health field and create a diverse pipeline of future public health employees, is coming to Minnesota. ServeMinnesota, the state’s hub for AmeriCorps service, in partnership with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, announces the new program will launch in August, with recruitment beginning immediately.
According to ServeMinnesota, 150 AmeriCorps members will deliver critical public health services through community engagement and community health needs assessment, with a priority on serving communities with the highest needs. Members will provide increased capacity for a sustained COVID-19 response and recovery at more than 60 partner locations throughout the state. The program also partners with community organizations as a strategy to achieve health equity by recruiting a corps with a shared life experience in the communities they serve.
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health will provide expert training and ongoing evaluation and practice support for AmeriCorps members to help launch their own careers in the public health sector. “The School of Public Health is excited to work with ServeMinnesota on this new important initiative,” says Interim Dean Timothy Beebe. “By drawing on expertise from across our school, and in collaboration with partners across the state, we can help Public Health Corps participants increase the capacity, effectiveness, and diversity of Minnesota’s public health workforce.”
“COVID has made gaps in public health more apparent, and we know there is a critical need for a more diverse workforce to meet the needs of our communities,” says Audrey Suker, CEO, ServeMinnesota. “Public Health Corps aims to address both of these challenges. We are thrilled to help support the many public health agencies within local government and other organizations across the state.”
To serve with Public Health Corps, you must be at least 18 years old, be a high school graduate or equivalent, and be willing to commit to a year of full-time service (40 hours per week). AmeriCorps members are extensively trained and receive a $1,100 stipend every two weeks (or the equivalent of $15/hour) plus an additional $6,495 for student loans or tuition. Free individual health insurance and childcare assistance are also available.
Anyone interested in applying to be a Public Health member or interested in hosting a member at their organization should visit www.ampact.us/public-health.
About Public Health AmeriCorps
Public Health AmeriCorps, a partnership between AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, supports the recruitment, training, and development of a new generation of public health leaders. Supported by a five-year, $400 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act, Public Health AmeriCorps will help meet public health needs of local communities by providing surge capacity and support while also creating pathways to public health-related careers.
About ServeMinnesota
ServeMinnesota creates positive social change by deploying the people power of AmeriCorps to translate research into on-the-ground implementation. Each year, thousands of individuals commit to transformative service opportunities focused on improving the lives of Minnesotans through education, affordable housing, employment, the environment, addiction recovery and response to community crises. Two of its innovative strategic initiatives, Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps, demonstrate speed to implementation in their work to close the achievement gap and help struggling students become successful learners. By leveraging federal dollars, building strong community partnerships, and continually improving programs, ServeMinnesota ensures national service is positioned to make meaningful contributions to our state. For more information, visit www.serveminnesota.org.
About the University of Minnesota School of Public Health
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health improves the health and wellbeing of populations and communities around the world by bringing innovative research, learning, and concrete actions to today’s biggest health challenges. The University prepares some of the most influential leaders in the field, and partners with health departments, communities, and policymakers to advance health equity for all. Learn more at www.sph.umn.edu.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
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