The Association of Environmental Health Academic Programs (AEHAP) was formed in 1999 to address a severe workforce shortage of environmental health professionals. AEHAP works to increase the environmental health workforce by promoting and supporting environmental health science degree programs accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC).
AEHAP serves as an advocate for environmental health education with policy makers about the value of investing resources into environmental health academic programs. AEHAP also supports EH program faculty with new information about environmental health, keeping our community informed of new developments that could enhance student learning experiences.
Our Vision:
Environmental Health Science Education for Everyone
Our Mission:
Advancing a 21st Century science-based educational model that develops culturally-
competent environmental health scientists capable of solving complex challenges in
environmental public health, occupational health, and associated regulatory compliance.
Environmental Health Science Education for Everyone
Our Mission:
Advancing a 21st Century science-based educational model that develops culturally-
competent environmental health scientists capable of solving complex challenges in
environmental public health, occupational health, and associated regulatory compliance.
What We Do:
Support Students in EHAC Accredited Environmental Health Degree Programs
AEHAP supports students from our member programs through the following initiatives:
AEHAP Environmental Health Student Research Competition
Since 2000, AEHAP has sponsored their annual Student Research Competition. Each year 3 to 5 students are awarded $1000 for their winning research project. In addition SRC award winners are hosted by AEHAP to attend the NEHA Annual Environmental Conference where they present their research project to conference attendees from across the US. AEHAP board and committee member volunteers give many hours of time to review, select winners and host the students during the NEHA AEC.
NSF International Scholarship
Since 2005, AEHAP has partnered with NSF International to provide an annual NSF Scholar Award. This $3500 award goes to a student from an EHAC accredited program. The NSF Scholar Award is for a short-term research project conducted by the student during their spring term. The student then prepares their research report. NSF guides the project criteria which can change year by year. AEHAP volunteers administer the process of review, selection and hosting the NSF student during the NEHA AEC.
COSTEP Internships
The USPHS offers internships through the Commissioned Officer Student Training and External Program (COSTEP) giving priority to students from EHAC accredited programs. Learn more here: http://www.usphs.gov/student/
Links to Scholarships and Internships
AEHAP keeps a database of scholarships and internship opportunities that are open to students in environmental and public health academic programs. You can access these resources on our page under the Scholarships/Student Resources tab.
AEHAP Environmental Health Student Research Competition
Since 2000, AEHAP has sponsored their annual Student Research Competition. Each year 3 to 5 students are awarded $1000 for their winning research project. In addition SRC award winners are hosted by AEHAP to attend the NEHA Annual Environmental Conference where they present their research project to conference attendees from across the US. AEHAP board and committee member volunteers give many hours of time to review, select winners and host the students during the NEHA AEC.
NSF International Scholarship
Since 2005, AEHAP has partnered with NSF International to provide an annual NSF Scholar Award. This $3500 award goes to a student from an EHAC accredited program. The NSF Scholar Award is for a short-term research project conducted by the student during their spring term. The student then prepares their research report. NSF guides the project criteria which can change year by year. AEHAP volunteers administer the process of review, selection and hosting the NSF student during the NEHA AEC.
COSTEP Internships
The USPHS offers internships through the Commissioned Officer Student Training and External Program (COSTEP) giving priority to students from EHAC accredited programs. Learn more here: http://www.usphs.gov/student/
Links to Scholarships and Internships
AEHAP keeps a database of scholarships and internship opportunities that are open to students in environmental and public health academic programs. You can access these resources on our page under the Scholarships/Student Resources tab.
Works to Increase the Environmental Health (EH) Workforce
AEHAP promotes and supports National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) accredited environmental health degree programs in response to a severe shortage of national environmental health professionals.
We work to increase the EH workforce through the following efforts:
- Public education campaigns about the value of environmental health professionals
- Exhibiting
- Extensive online marketing via social networks and websites
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Supports Graduates of EHAC Accredited Environmental Health Degree Programs
AEHAP supports graduates through the EHAC Graduates Association (EGA). EGA offers a job bank and online forum for graduates of accredited member programs to discuss career opportunities and challenges. We care about our graduates and help link them to opportunities. 
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Assists EHAC Accredited Environmental Health Degree Programs with Marketing and Recruiting New EH Students
AEHAP utilizing our websites, social networking sites, and outreach at conferences to recruit new students into accredited environmental health degree programs. 
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Increases Student Diversity in EHAC Accredited Environmental Health Degree Programs
In addition to the current shortage of environmental health professionals, the workforce also experiences a lack of ethnic diversity. AEHAP works to increase diversity in the workforce by increasing diversity in environmental health degree programs through the following efforts:
- Minority Serving Institution Workshops
- Mentoring Minority Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges Seeking Accreditation, Exhibiting at
conferences that draw diverse groups - Supporting Faculty of Accredited Programs Who Recruit Minority Students