Fueling the Public Health Workforce Pipeline Through Student Surge Capacity Response Teams

This study looks at using graduate students as surge capacity to support public health agencies during outbreaks while building the future workforce. A program called Team Epi-Aid placed students in real-world response activities like outbreak investigations and emergency response. About half of participants engaged, and nearly a third said it influenced their career choice. After graduation, more students worked in governmental public health compared to before enrollment. The program provided short-term staffing support and long-term workforce benefits by giving hands-on experience, exposure to public health practice, and connections that encouraged careers in government health agencies.