ASPH recently launched an exciting new online resource for youth to learn more about public health education and public health careers, called Pathways to Public Health. The website includes a clearinghouse, with lists of youth-focused public health programs and resources developed and offered by federal health agencies, universities, and other entities. High school students, undergraduates, and youth-serving professionals (such as teachers and counselors) will be able to find resources on the website that inform them about public health careers, including job descriptions, curricular modules, or information about college and graduate school public health programs.

This project was guided by a taskforce that includes representatives from the American School Counselors Association, Girl Scouts of the USA, NACCHO, ASTHO, the CDC, APHA, the Georgia Intern-Fellowships for Teachers, the Emory Center for Science Education, as well as public health schools and programs. Dr. Ian Lapp, Associate Dean at the Columbia University Mailman SPH, chairs the taskforce.

The website was soft launched in October 2007 at www.pathwaystopublichealth.org. To improve its youth appeal, ASPH conducted focus groups with undergraduate and high school students, and updated the website’s content, as well as its “look and feel.” ASPH launched an improved version of the website in September 2008, and is conducting a campaign to publicize the website throughout the fall and winter. Questions about the website or contributions of resources to be listed in the clearinghouse can be sent to Gillian Silver at gsilver@asph.org.