TRAINING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Increasing Diversity and Creating Inclusive Search Processes to Strengthen Student Recruitment
By Ladan Ghedi , MA , specialist , Academic Partnerships and Amra Handzic , MBA , specialist , Academic Partnerships
According to the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice , greater diversity of experiences and perspectives yields innovative public health approaches , stronger evidence and better training related to health equity to facilitate improvements in public health outcomes .
In alignment with APHL core values , it is important to ensure that potential academic organization partners prioritize diversity , equity , inclusion and accessibility ( DEI ) as a part of their institutional initiatives . This work involves engagement in outreach activities to academic institutions and other workforce-related organizations as well as professional associations .
From Theory …
Following a recent webinar , Creating an Inclusive Search and Retention Process hosted by the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers , APHL staff gained additional relationship-building strategies and outreach techniques used to increase the diversity of the public health laboratory workforce through the promotion of career pathways in public health laboratory science . The objectives of this webinar were to learn how to attract and retain diverse talent , learning firsthand from DEI professionals the strategies and intentional recruiting techniques they use to diversify their workforce .
… to Practice …
To support workforce development in public health , the association ’ s plan of action includes attendance at DEI-focused career fairs and conferences to promote career pathways in public health laboratory science to underrepresented students and alumni .
To ensure an inclusive search process for public health laboratory fellowship and internship programs , APHL utilizes diversity-focused job boards to ensure opportunities reach students and early career professionals across diverse backgrounds , geographical areas , disciplines and career stages . As recognized by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and the Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development ( DSEPD ), diversity and inclusion are essential for workforce development and improvement of public health .
APHL has partnered with organizations such as the Tribal College Journal of American Indian Higher Education and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities ( HBCU ) Career Hub to promote Career Pathways in Public Health Laboratory Science : an APHL-CDC Initiative . The HBCU Career Hub aims to educate around job search skills , workplace realities , employment equity and to support the career and professional goals of students , alumni and the broader HBCU community . The Tribal College Journal is a nonprofit media organization operating under the auspices of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium ( AIHEC ). Their website and e-newsletters are primarily focused on American Indian and Alaska Native higher education , which represents a suitable platform for sharing public health laboratory fellowship and internship opportunities .
… and Outreach
To further support DEI efforts related to the promotion of Career Pathways in Public Health Laboratory Science programs , APHL plans to participate in recognition programs such as the 2023 National HBCU Week . A White House initiative , National HBCU Week has been a notable opportunity to advance educational equity , excellence and economic opportunity through HBCUs , in partnership with HBCU leaders , representatives , students and alumni . This September , APHL will participate in the 5th Annual National HBCU Week Conference Career and Recruitment Fair for in-person job seekers in Arlington , VA .
In October , APHL will host five sessions to present on Career Pathways in Public Health Laboratory Science to 14 of the leading Hispanic-Serving Institutions ( HSIs ) in the country at the Fall 2023 HSI Virtual Career Expo . Additionally , we will focus on increased outreach to Tribal Colleges and Universities ( TCUs ) through various activities such as webinars and information sessions provided to community members .
Conclusion
The recruitment strategies and techniques adopted by the Academic Partnerships program will make a valuable impact on increasing the diversity of applicants into our public health laboratory science workforce . g
References :
1 . US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Public Health Workforce Development Strategies ( 2021 Sept 27 ) ( cited July 2023 ). Available from https :// www . cdc . gov / csels / dsepd / workforcestrategies . html
2 . White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity , Excellence and Economic Opportunity Through Historically Black Colleges and Universities . 2023 National HBCU Week Conference ( cited July 2023 ). Available from https :// sites . ed . gov / whhbcu / hbcu-week-conference / 2023-national-hbcu-weekconference /
3 . Understanding the Dynamics of Diversity in the Public Health Workforce . 2021 Journal of Public Health Management and Practice ( cited July 2023 ). Available from Understanding the Dynamics of Diversity in the Public Health ... : Journal of Public Health Management and Practice ( lww . com )
34 LAB MATTERS Fall 2023
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