Core Activities of Learning

Fellows document competency in the basic elements of public health practice through the Core Activities of Learning (CALS). The CALS focus on competency in the areas of scientific inquiry, health policy, community health, communication and program administration. Fellows share their CALS experiences with each other over the two year Fellowship term.

Specific Core Activities of Learning include:

  • Conduct a statewide or community-based population health survey

  • Prepare a fiscal analysis of a public health issue

  • Apply quality improvement tools to the evaluation of a local or state public health program

  • Use new media tools to communicate public health information

  • Make an oral presentation to a community group

  • Evaluate public health service delivery in a clinic setting from the point of view of its cultural and social accessibility and acceptability

  • Participate in a community-based strategic planning process on a public health issue

  • Participate substantially in an outbreak/field investigation

  • Prepare a grant application that includes a budget and workplan

  • Conduct a Health Impact Assessment on an existing or proposed program or policy

Fellows create a portfolio with documentation of their CALS along with an assessment of their performance.