Bringing Public Health to the Classroom
The Public Health in the Schools Initiative connects Montana high school students with the vital work of public health through dynamic classroom presentations, a comprehensive curriculum, teacher workshops, and community health fairs. By highlighting real-world careers and fostering awareness, we aim to inspire the next generation of public health professionals across the state.
Curriculum
Our comprehensive public health curriculum can be accessed via TRAIN Montana, a national learning network that gives Montanans access to a catalog of high-quality public health training opportunities.
If you are new to TRAIN, you will first need to create an account. Once your account is active, navigate to the curriculum by following this link.
These resources are frequently updated, as public health is an ever-changing field. If you notice broken links, please let us know.
Virtual Spring Teacher Workshop
Teachers, join us for a spring teacher workshop on May 21, 2026 from 4-5pm MT! We will introduce teachers to our initiative, provide information and access to our comprehensive public health lesson plans and career spotlight videos. OPI renewal units will be provided to participating teachers.
This project was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under a contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, as part of a financial assistance award totaling $776,950 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, the U.S. Government, or the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Introducing: Engaging Health Departments in the Public Health in Schools Initiative
We are thrilled to share a new resource for health departments to engage with students and schools!
Co-created with input from local health departments, DPHHS, educators, and University of Montana students and faculty, this toolkit is designed to help local and tribal public health departments build meaningful, manageable connections with K-12 students and schools.
Grounded in real-world practice and shaped by public health partners across Montana, this resource offers practical guidance, ready-to-use activities, and flexible engagement strategies that fit a range of capacity levels.
To access the toolkit, follow this link to sign the guest book and download the resource.
This toolkit was funded in part by the Montana Healthcare Foundation. The Montana Public Health Training Center is solely responsible for the statements and conclusions in this toolkit.
Get Involved
Schools and public health professionals interested in partnering with us in this important work, please reach out to anna.kiley@mso.umt.edu.