Public Health Boot Camp: Fostering Future HIV Community Leaders

What is the public health boot camp?
Public Health Boot Camp is an intensive one-week certificate program provided by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the DePaul University Master of Public Health Program. The intensive training program is designed to enhance AIDS organizational leaders’ professional knowledge of core public health concepts. Program participants will be selecected through a competitive application process described below.

Why is this intensive program being offered?
The goal of the training program is to improve the quality and effectiveness of HIV prevention services in metropolitan Chicago by exposing AIDS organizational leaders to core concepts of public health science, theory, and practice. The Boot Camp will strive to provide participants with the necessary tools to take what they have learned and implement it to actual HIV/AIDS programmatic activities.

When and where will the Public Health Boot Camp take place?
The Boot Camp will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday December 14, 2008 and conclude Friday evening, December 19, 2008 with a recognition reception. All program activities will occur in downtown Chicago. Accepted and confirmed program participants will be required to accept residential lodging (single-room occupancy) at the University Center, 525 South State Street, for the full duration of the program without exception. In addition, participants will be engaged in program-related activities throughout the day and evening for the full duration of the weeklong program.

How many applicants will be accepted to participate in the Boot Camp?
Boot Camp organizers anticipate accepting a total of 8 to 12 applicants to participate in the certificate program, which will be highly competitive.

Who should consider applying to participate in the Public Health Boot Camp?
Chicago-area AIDS organizational leaders with direct oversight of HIV prevention activities and a minimum of 2-years work experience in HIV/AIDS services are strong encouraged to apply. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the ability to use what they learn in a specific HIV community and/or agency endeavor. Individuals who have earned master’s level or higher degrees in public health are not eligible for this program. Applicants must also be able to participate fully in the program from December 14-19, 2008 and agree to accept residential lodging (single-room occupancy) at the University Center, 525 South State Street. Accepted applicants must confirm their placement in the program with a non-refundable fee of $250, the full cost of the program for participants, no later than Tuesday, September 30, 2008. No fee, however, is required with the initial application. Other requirements are listed on the application form, which is due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2008.

How is the Boot Camp curriculum structured?
Boot Camp participants will receive didactic learning and engage in group discussions and team activities aimed at increasing familiarity with core principles of public health; bio-statistics; epidemiology; social and behavioral change theories; evaluation and research methodologies; and communication skills, among other topics.

Who is presenting at the Boot Camp?
Participants will work with local and national experts in public health. Other guest speakers will join the faculty in leading guest lectures and discussions.

How do I apply for the Public Health Boot Camp?
Please download the application, complete, and return the application no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2008.

What will the application process entail?
1. Applications are due no later than Thursday, July 31, 2008.
2. Applications will be reviewed for completeness, and those that meet minimum qualifications will be scored by a review committee. Finalists will be interviewed in person.
3. Selected applicants will be notified in writing by Tuesday, September 2, 2008.
4. Selected applicants must confirm their placement in the program no later than Tuesday, September 30, 2008 with payment of a non-refundable fee of $250—the full cost to participants for the weeklong program.
5. Confirmed applicants will receive detailed instructions in November and other materials to review ahead of the Boot Camp.
6. Confirmed applicants will move into the University Center on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. to begin the program.
7. The program will conclude on Friday, December 19, 2008 with a recognition reception.

Who is sponsoring the Boot Camp?
The Boot Camp is made possible by the generous financial support of the National AIDS Fund and the Sigmund E. Edelstone Fund of the Michael Reese Health Trust. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the DePaul University Master of Public Health Program designed and will lead program activities.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Cynthia Tucker, MS
Director of Prevention and Community Partnerships
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
411 S. Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60607
312-334-0965

Application Deadline:
4:00 p.m. on Thursday,
July 31, 2008

Download Application

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