One of the services the Center provides to assist in building local capacity for prevention research is training. Our main audiences for training are students, faculty and staff, community partners, and public health professionals.
The Center has been privileged to collaborate with the NIH-funded Center for the Study of Health Disparities (CSHD) at Texas A&M University (https://cshd.tamu.edu) to host trainings for multiple audiences. Our joint agenda is to co-sponsor quarterly training seminars with topics determined by our community partners. Our first joint training was held in July 2005, and consisted of three workshops covering logic modeling, evaluation design, and grant writing. In October 2005, a training covering the basics of community-based participatory research was held. The Center will have another training in the early spring – please watch for details. Past training information is available upon request by contacting Amber Schickedanz at [email protected].
July 2005 Training
Using Logic Models This workshop addressed the how and why of using logic models, including using logic models for evaluation. Three types of logic models were discussed – theory approach, outcome approach, and activity approach models.
Evaluation Design The workshop discussed ways to help the participant learn to create consistency between the type of evaluation desired by a funding source, what services health professions provide, and the measurement and analysis of the data.
Identifying Funders and Writing Successful Proposals (Grant Writing) The workshop discussed the types of funding, sources of funding, and the basics on reading an RFP. Additionally, the keys to writing successful proposals were emphasized in the workshop.
October 2005 Training
Community Based Participatory Research The training demonstrated the fundamentals, principles, and barriers of community based participatory research. Building partnership, collaborative leadership, and the dynamics of community-campus partnerships were additional topics discussed throughout the workshop.
April 2006 Training
Using Logic Models This workshop addressed the how and why of using logic models, including using logic models for evaluation. Three types of logic models were discussed – theory approach, outcome approach, and activity approach models.
Identifying Funders and Writing Successful Proposals (Grant Writing) The workshop discussed the types of funding, sources of funding, and the basics on reading an RFP. Additionally, the keys to writing successful proposals were emphasized in the workshop.
Student Opportunities
Training is offered through graduate assistantships to students working toward a master’s degree or doctoral degree at the School of Rural Public Health. Assistantships are offered to those who have an interest in community health development and/or prevention research. Currently, the Center has a total of 10 graduate assistants working on either a master’s degree or a doctoral degree.
Master’s degree seeking students are required to complete a semester long practicum experience in a public health setting that utilizes skills and knowledge obtained while at the School of Rural Public Health. Through the Center’s various partnerships and projects, the Center is working to develop more training opportunities for students wanting experience in community health development and/or prevention research.
Additionally, students can gain training and educational experience through interaction with the faculty and staff that teach or guest lecture in classes at the School of Rural Public Health. Many faculty and staff with Center affiliation provide invaluable information in the classroom. Students are also actively recruited for the training seminars that are held throughout the year.
Students interested in graduate assistantships, practicums, or other training opportunities with the Center should contact Amber Schickedanz at [email protected]
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