Mentored Experiential Learning for Future Public Health Leaders

Abstract

ABSTRACT The CDC John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program supports undergraduate scholars in exploring education and careers in public health. Throughout the summer experience, scholars participate in mentored experiential learning opportunities designed to support professional identity formation and career readiness. In 2025, across 7 program sites, the program recruited over 190 mentors through institutional and community networks aligned with shared public health goals. The selection, recruitment, and training process for mentors prepares them to support scholars in navigating through public health exploration and placement. Additional mentoring support structures are integrated across program sites to support scholars during the summer program and as they pursue future public health education and career opportunities. Mentor presence throughout each component of the summer program has a lasting impact on how scholars perceive public health. This scalable model offers practical guidance for implementing mentorship programs across multiple program sites while maintaining quality and consistency.