380.633.81
Promoting Equity for Adolescents and Emerging Adults: Problem-Solving Seminar

Prerequisite:

Introduction to Online Learning is required prior to participating in any of the School's Internet-based courses.

Description:

Did you know that 1 in 9 young people aged 16-24 were disconnected from both school and the workforce before the pandemic? And that the rate of disconnection may increase to 1 in 4 young people due to COVID-19 and related economic strain?

This course will provide insight into systemic causes, life-course consequences, and promising solutions for this critical public health problem. Promoting multi-sector and youth-informed approaches to re-engage disconnected young people and to prevent disconnection in the first place is a key step toward achieving health equity for young people.

Introduces the scope, unequal distribution, and negative impacts of disconnection from school and the workforce among young people in the United States (“opportunity youth”). Discusses the importance of different sectors and stakeholders for promoting success and eliminating inequalities in outcomes among adolescents and young adults. Highlights the importance of involving young people in all phases of research and policy making. Describes communication strategies for addressing diverse stakeholders, including individuals at all levels of health literacy, for purposes of influencing behavior and policies for adolescents and young adults. Summarizes promising strategies for preventing youth disconnection and re-engaging young people who have become disconnected from school and the workforce.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the scope, unequal distribution, and impact of young people’s disconnection in the U.S., including key subpopulations, and the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration for addressing the issue
2. Propose strategies for improving health and eliminating health inequalities for adolescents and young adults by organizing stakeholders, including researchers, practitioners, community leaders, and other partners
3. Propose strategies to promote young people’s inclusion and equity within public health programs, policies, and systems
4. Communicate public health science to diverse stakeholders, including individuals at all levels of health literacy, for purposes of influencing behavior and policies for adolescents and young adults

Methods of Assessment:

This course is evaluated as follows:

• 75% Assignments
• 25% Participation

Instructor Consent:

Consent required for all students

Consent Note:

Instructor consent needed for all students

For consent, contact:

tmendel1@jhu.edu

Jointly Offered With:

• MH