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Working Title 2025-2026 Appalachian Public Health Innovation APP-PHI Corps Multiple Vacancies
Location Boone, NC or one of the following counties listed below:
The Appalachian Public Health Innovation APP-PHI Corps program provides opportunities for people to make an intensive commitment to service. There are many opportunities for AmeriCorps service in North Carolina and across the country throughout the year. These are great experiences for new and upcoming graduates to consider.
As an Appalachian Public Health Innovation APP-PHI Corps member, you can gain new skills and experiences and youll also find tremendous satisfaction that comes from helping others. In addition, members who complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award as outlined here to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans. Members who serve part-time receive a partial Award. Some AmeriCorps members may also receive a living allowance during their term of service.
PHA at AppState
Mission To foster meaningful relationships, develop public health professionals, and bolster community resilience and preparedness in western North Carolina by addressing local public health disparities through service, volunteerism, and evidence-based interventions.
Our Purpose To support public health preparedness in the Appalachian Region in Western NC.
Our Goals To recruit, train, and develop new generations of public health leaders ready to respond to public health needs through public health service and capacity building in North Carolinas rural Appalachian communities.
Help meet public health needs of the North Carolina rural Appalachian communities by providing needed capacity and support to local public health preparedness settings in collaboration with state and regional partners to advance health outcomes for communities who are currently and historically underserved.
Provide pathways to good quality public health-related careers by providing exposure through onsite experience, training, and more with a focus on recruiting AmeriCorps members who reflect the communities in which they will serve.
Appalachian State Universitys Mission Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as engaged global citizens who understand their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. Our location in the distinctive Appalachian mountain town of Boone, North Carolina, profoundly shapes who we are. As a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina, we fulfill our core academic missions of teaching, scholarship, and service in ways that honor our geography and heritage. We bring people together in inspiring ways.
The transformational Appalachian experience develops individuals who are eager to acquire and create knowledge to grow holistically to act with passion and determination to embrace difference and to become contributing members of society. We create rich environments where students can thrive. Our students are educated broadly and are simultaneously equipped with strong disciplinary knowledge. Academic learning occurs in a wide range of undergraduate, selected masters, and intermediate programs, and the doctorate in Education offered on campus, at off-campus sites, and online.
Faculty and students engage in research and scholarship that advance knowledge and address the problems of our region, state, and world through creativity and innovation. Learning takes place within formal and informal instructional settings with dedicated faculty members in co-curricular programs that enrich classroom experience in interdisciplinary educational formats and through outreach to the local community and beyond.
Appalachian cultivates vibrant arts that enrich the cultural and intellectual climate of the campus and region. Our students think critically, communicate effectively, make local to global connections, and understand the responsibilities of community engagement. We embrace our obligation to help create healthy, just, and sustainable societies by equipping our students to live with knowledge, compassion, dedication, humility, and dignity.
Program Description As an Appalachian Public Health Innovation APP-PHI Corps Member at Appalachian State University, you will be part of a dedicated team focused on enhancing public health and community resilience in Western North Carolina. Our mission is to develop public health professionals, foster meaningful relationships, and bolster community preparedness by addressing local public health disparities through service, volunteerism, and evidence-based interventions.
Our Purpose We aim to support public health preparedness in the Appalachian Region of Western North Carolina.
Our Goals Develop Future Public Health Leaders We recruit, train, and develop new generations of public health leaders equipped to respond to public health needs in North Carolinas rural Appalachian communities. This involves capacity building and service in collaboration with state and regional partners to achieve better health outcomes for underserved communities.
Enhance Community Capacity and Support By providing essential capacity and support to local public health preparedness settings, we help meet the public health needs of North Carolinas rural Appalachian communities.
Create Pathways to Public Health Careers We offer exposure to high-quality public health-related careers through onsite experience and training. This includes psychological first aid training with a particular focus on recruiting AmeriCorps members who reflect the communities they serve.
As part of the PHA initiative, a partnership between the CDC and AmeriCorps funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, we contribute to building a strong workforce ready to meet the nations public health needs.
Formerly called the Public Health AmeriCorps, this project launched in 2022. Appalachian Public Health Innovation APP-PHI Corps addresses public health needs across 25 Western North Carolina counties. Our goals include career pathways and training and providing public health support.
We provide pathways to quality public health careers through onsite experience and comprehensive training programs, including psychological first aid.
Providing Public Health Support We deliver Psychological First Aid and other necessary public health support to local organizations such as health departments, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. A core aspect of our work is engaging with community members to build resilience and trust. By connecting with the community, we identify their needs and provide the support they require, fostering stronger, healthier communities in Western North Carolina.
Benefits Living Stipend Available based on Member Type
Education Award Child care benefits for those who are eligible
Travel Reimbursement Specifically related to program activities
Additional Details in the PHA Handbook
Professional Development Opportunities
Member Assistance Program, which includes:
AmeriCorps partners with more than 300 colleges and universities to offer benefits to AmeriCorps alumni. Five of these schools-Washington University, Emory University, University of Pittsburgh, Case Western Reserve University, and Thomas Jefferson University-offer AmeriCorps scholarships specifically for public health-related programs.
Graduate School Application Waiver While funding lasts
Student Loan Forbearance
What Can This Do For You? Provide a gateway to the public health profession
Continuous education and training
Practice-based experience in rural health
Public health preparedness leadership
Community health experience
Recruitment Appalachian State University aims to recruit and engage with underrepresented populations in the Appalachian region.
The following position is available: Public Health AmeriCorps PHA Member
Required Responsibilities Ensure a rich learning and service experience by showing up and participating.
Participate in training sessions and service activities.
Contribute to team projects and individual initiatives.
Engage in vocational training and professional development opportunities.
Qualifications Interest in public health, community service, or emergency response.
Willingness to learn, collaborate, and contribute to program goals.
Additional Opportunities for Leadership Lead program pillars.
Implement Interventions.
Train community members.
Collaborate and communicate internally and externally.
Coordinate fellow-specific activities and communication.
Specifically, helping support fellows to track their member progression chart.
Help connect fellows to the larger project and disseminate good communication practices.
Represent the fellows interests and feedback to the leadership team.
Support fellows in their training, service, and projects.
Pillar Categories Implementation & Community Engagement
Communication & Creative
Evaluation Guide
Team Engagement and Professional Development
Immediate Supervisor & Contact Information Jennifer Schroeder Tyson tysonjsappstate.edu
Service Position Summary Essential Functions of Position All basic duties that must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Commitment Required Members will complete various hours of service over the course of 11 months based on the start and end date of October 1st, 2025 - August 31, 2026.
Member hours commitments are dependent upon the position.
Members will be expected to work a schedule that is agreed upon between both the program director and the member.
Some weekend and evening service could be required.
The member will complete a minimum of hours of service during the term of service indicated in this position description.
Reduced Full-Time Members must serve 1200 hours during a period of 11 months, 110 hours/month.
Half-Time Members