New Applied Practicum Experience for MPH Students

ASPPH's Center for Public Health Workforce Development has received a new funding award from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to launch the ASPPH/ONDCP Applied Practice Experience Program. The initiative will place Master of Public Health students from ASPPH-member institutions in high-impact practicums aligned with ONDCP's national drug control priorities. This collaboration strengthens the public health workforce and prepares emerging leaders to translate science into action on substance use and overdose prevention.

Through hands-on placements at ONDCP, participating students will contribute to evidence-based research, data analysis, and policy development that inform federal strategies to reduce substance use and prevent overdose. The program builds on nearly four decades of ASPPH experience managing federally supported applied learning and training initiatives, ensuring strong mentorship, clear learning objectives, and measurable outcomes for both students and host teams. By connecting academic preparation with real-world policy and program implementation, the ASPPH/ONDCP Applied Practice Experience Program advances national public health and drug policy goals while cultivating the next generation of practice-ready professionals. For questions, please contact Emily Burke, EdD, MPH, Senior Director of Workforce Development and Applied Practice, at [email protected]