UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Department of Biobehavioral Health in the Penn State College of Health and Human Development has launched a new undergraduate certificate in Civically Engaged Health Equity, designed to prepare students to work in and with local communities on health equity efforts.
The Civically Engaged Health Equity certificate provides students with the foundational knowledge of the social and structural processes underlying health disparities and the ethical approaches for promoting health equity. Students will participate in experiential learning opportunities with health equity-related community organizations, linking the understanding gained in the classroom to real-world situations and needs.
New and current Penn State students can now apply to the certificate program and begin taking courses to fulfill its requirements beginning in the fall 2026 semester. The certificate is well-suited for students interested in public health, healthcare, health promotion, social epidemiology, and other community-oriented careers, but it is open to all undergraduates at Penn State University Park.
Core coursework of the certificate focuses on the practices, theories, and habits of health equity and civic and community engagement. Classes are heavily experience-based, including weekly volunteering at predetermined locations, reflective writing assignments, and discussions in small-class environments. Students also will develop career competencies in interpersonal communication, cultural humility, teamwork and leadership.
"We have a responsibility to make sure that students are prepared to be engaged members of their personal and professional communities,” said Danielle Rhubart, assistant teaching professor of biobehavioral health, who teaches courses in in the certificate program. “We want our students to succeed not only professionally, but also as engaged community members. Community-engaged learning instills in students a feeling of belonging, a confidence in their ability to make a difference, and a sense of social responsibility — all things that we represent at Penn State and want our students to leave here with.”
Those interested in learning more about the Civically Engaged Health Equity certificate can visit the College of Health and Human Development website or the University bulletin for more information. Students who would like to apply to the certificate program should contact Erica Rauff, director of the Civically Engaged Health Equity certificate.