Public Health Youth Ambassadors

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Cultivating the Next Generation of Public Health Leaders

Fairfax County Health Department’s Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) is a grant-funded program that provides free training to local high school students in critical learning areas such as community health work, opioid use reduction methodologies, and teen mental health assistance. 

The program’s focus is to increase student awareness about the field of public health, while broadening their knowledge around the multiple ways our world is influenced and connected by healthcare-related activities. PHYAP is designed to prepare more young professionals for public health-related careers, while creating opportunities to improve health in our communities.

Application Period for the Fall 2025 Cohort Opens Soon!!

Creating Diverse On-ramps for a New Generation of Public Health Leaders

The Public Health Youth Ambassador Program trains 10th through 12th grade high school students across Fairfax County about methods to reduce opioid use, teen mental health issues, and becoming a Community Health Worker. PHYAP provides certifications from two nationally-know public health institutions (Morehouse College and George Mason University) in each of those areas during its Fall and Spring cohorts.

The program also seeks to increase diversity among health professionals in all fields, while providing students with the experiences and knowledge that can enhance their high school education and future careers.

 

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Aims of the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program 

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Enlist students to help address the on-going diversity gap between those who are receiving community health services and the individuals providing them.

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Give students an easy way to explore health careers through coursework, alumni involvement, and mentorship opportunities.

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Increase the number of trained student Community Health Workers who are qualified to help deliver health programs in communities with limited access to resources.

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Help students from all backgrounds to understand the root cause of injustice and how it, systematically, impacts families' opportunities to be healthy and thrive.

 

Partner Schools Daytime Program

 

Since PHYAP’s inception, the program is proud to have partnered with three outstanding Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), where our Community Health Worker curriculum is offered during day sessions: John R. Lewis High School, Justice High School, and Mount Vernon High School. Students who qualify can take part in lessons and hands-on activities led by trained PHYAP facilitators three days a week during their advisory period.

 


Evening & Weekend Program for 10th-12th Grade Students Countywide

 

For high-school aged students who do not attend Lewis, Mount Vernon, or Justice but wish to become a Youth Ambassador, program sessions are offered outside of regular class hours at the Fairfax County Government Center. Evening classes are held Monday through Thursday each week, while our weekend class is held each Saturday morning.

 


Public Health Youth Ambassador Alumni Program

 

PHYAP’s Alumni program is a vital initiative component that provides graduates with unlimited access to advanced learning tools, job support, and professional resources capable of broadening each individual’s horizons, while also solidifying their long-term post-secondary school and/or career aspirations.

Your exposure will include pathways to the resources that can make either dream possible, including:

  • subject-matter expert access,
  • healthcare-related videos,
  • interesting articles,
  • and presentations.

There will also be opportunities to volunteer and enhance your skills through competitions.

Whether attending college, finding an internship, or landing the right job is at the top of your list, PHYAP’s Alumni program is designed to serve as a conduit to the information and resources you’ll need to succeed through each stage of your secondary school and career journey.

 


Success Stories - Where Are They Now?

 

PHYAP is proud of its ability to train and position students so they can help improve health outcomes across the entire community. Our graduates have applied what they learned in their studies and community health projects to help neighbors get healthcare, find translation services, and access health education materials that fit their culture and language. Learn about some of the great things students are doing and how their PHYAP mindset is making a big difference in the community.

 


Mentorship Program

 

Mentors are an effective way for students to grow, while, simultaneously strengthening their personal and professional profiles. 

PHYAP’s Mentorship program provides exciting hands-on opportunities for students to enhance their skills by linking with like-minded peers and professionals who volunteer their time and expertise so young people like you can thrive and grow.

Our goal is to nurture this environment in ways that allow participants to gain the background knowledge, confidence, and exposure that breed success.

 


Program Funding & Partnerships

 

The Public Health Youth Ambassador Program is a collaborative effort whose focus lies in addressing health disparities and other critical health literacy needs across Fairfax County. Initially supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health, the program is continually seeking ways to strengthen its network of dedicated partners and funding sources.

 



   Program News
 

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