In response to continuing disparities in maternal and child health across the U.S., our new Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education, Science, and Practice seeks to train the next generation of public health leaders committed to improving outcomes for birthing people, children and families. One of its first initiatives is a new maternal and child health (MCH) training program, open to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars across the University of Pittsburgh.
There are three components of the Center of Excellence: the student training core, postdoctoral and early career faculty, and the MCH workforce training core.
Student Training Core
Students can select from three levels of engagement—short-term (under 40 hours), medium-term (40+ hours), or long-term (300+ hours)—and complete both didactic and applied learning experiences. The program is designed to fit a range of academic schedules while offering high-impact preparation for research, policy or practice careers in MCH. Tuition support or stipends are provided for eligible students.
Short-term trainees
This option is appropriate for students with no exposure to MCH who are interested in learning about the unique health challenges faced by these populations. Short-term trainees are not expected to pursue careers in MCH, but to use their knowledge to influence their careers, enabling them to ask questions like, "Will these policies or approaches differentially impact MCH populations?"
- 20 structured contact hours via symposiums and participation in Maternal and Child Health Equity Scholars
- Remaining <20 hours at student's discretion such as a one credit course, MCH training opportunities at Pitt research centers, and participation in the Center for Health Equity's writing lab
Medium-term trainees
This option is appropriate for students interested in MCH but unable to pursue the long-term training and is more than 40 training hours but less than 300. The CoE aims to have no more than 10 medium-term trainees annually.
- attend annual symposia
- participate in Maternal and Child Health Equity Scholars
- core certificate coursework (five credits for public health students and six for others)
- participate in the Center for Health Equity's writing lab
Long-term trainees
This option ensures students develop methodological skills and a core knowledge base in the unique health needs facing MCH populations, and can demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in identifying and addressing health inequities/disparities through experiential learning opportunities. This training will include the 15-credit MCH Certificate*
- 15 credits didactic learning (core coursework plus electives)
- 300 hours of experiential learning
- participation in Maternal and Child Health Equity Scholars
- doctoral students present work at a conference or author a manuscript
*This certificate is yet to be formally approved at the University level to be listed as an official graduate certificate. Long-term trainees (LTT's) can still pursue the coursework immediately in the meantime.
Student Benefits
- $7200 stipend for eligible LTT's during year 2
- Travel support for conferences and out-of-state practicums
- Financial support for unpaid practicums
- Career development through advising, mentorship and writing support
- Belong to a vibrant, equity-focused MCH student community
Postdoctoral and Early Career Faculty
Three early career core faculty members of the CoE will provide important professional development opportunities to other new MCH-interested faculty in the Health Sciences and beyond.
Postdoc and Faculty Benefits
- Professional networking and collaboration with other MCH faculty and practitioners
- Mentoring in research, practice, and teaching
- Professional development activities and training (e.g. Title V, CBPR, curriculum development, etc.)
- Participation in career development activities
Eligibility
Those with a doctoral degree in a public health field and a commitment to MCH are encouraged to apply.
MCH Workforce Training Core
The workforce training program will launch in the fall of 2025 and is designed to offer flexible, high-impact training opportunities grounded in both research and community practice for MCH professionals in public health and the governmental MCH workforce.
Trainee Benefits
- Ongoing opportunities to engage with CoE students through place-based internships, mentoring, and collaborative learning experiences.
- Applied training in clinical areas such as program planning, implementation and evaluation, data dissemination, policy development, community needs assessments, stakeholder engagement, grant writing, MCHB leadership competencies
- Tailored training for both governmental MCH professionals and staff from community-based organizations (e.g. foundational content on Title V, the life course perspective, and the Ten Essential Public Health Services, health equity, structural and social determinants of health, reproductive justice, etc.)
Eligibility
Interested MCH public health practitioners and governmental MCH professionals at the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Ohio Department of Health, and Allegheny County Health Department are encouraged to apply.