Leading public health innovation in high schools across local and global settings

Abstract

Adolescents in the 21st century face numerous preventable public health challenges that extend beyond academics to include physical, mental, and social well-being. Addressing these issues requires schools to integrate public health education into their systems, empowering youth with digital health literacy and interdisciplinary skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, innovation, and collaboration. To meet this need, the University of Memphis School of Public Health developed the “RE-AIM Public Health IDEAS” model (Research, Entrepreneurship, Analytics, Informatics, and Management), designed to transform innovative ideas into actionable solutions. The initiative promotes Leadership and Educational Advancement among Youth to solve Public Health (LEAP) challenges and is operationalized through the Public Health in Action curriculum. Public Health Clubs were established in high schools across the United States and India; nearly 400 students contributed to approximately 150 health-focused activities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The program fosters social responsibility, normalizes positive health behaviors, and cultivates the next generation of public health ambassadors.