CT State launches public health training program backed by $4.2M state grant

Hartford Business Journal – Thursday, July 2, 2026
By David Krechevsky

The state’s community college system on Thursday launched a new public health education program supported by a $4.2 million state grant that intends to strengthen Connecticut’s public health workforce and expand access to careers in the field.

The program, funded through the state Department of Public Health using federal grant dollars, will offer an associate degree in public health and two stackable certificate programs in community public health and environmental public health.

The programs will be available at Connecticut State Community College’s Capital campus in Hartford, as well as at Gateway in New Haven, Housatonic in Bridgeport and Three Rivers in Norwich.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to rebuild the state’s public health workforce. In a 2023 workforce development plan, DPH described the state’s public health workforce as “in crisis,” saying it was inadequately staffed even before the COVID-19 pandemic and that the pandemic pushed the system “to the brink of collapse.”

The state subsequently secured a $32.3 million federal grant to expand the workforce pipeline and strengthen local health departments.

In December, the state also joined a multistate compact intended to ease the nursing shortage by allowing registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to work across 43 participating states and territories.

Under the CT State program, eligible Connecticut residents may qualify for scholarships covering tuition and fees, books, supplies and transportation through the U-Pass program. Students also will complete paid, supervised internships or externships with DPH, local health departments or community-based public health agencies.

CT State Interim President Christina Royal said the program is designed to combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience to prepare students for careers supporting public health and environmental health systems across the state.

The curriculum includes training in community health, environmental health, health education and public policy. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions with health departments, community health centers, nonprofits and regulatory agencies, including roles such as community health workers and environmental science and protection technicians.

The certificates are fully stackable into an associate degree, allowing students to begin with a short-term credential before continuing their education. Each certificate can be completed in about one year and will be offered in a hybrid format that combines online and in-person instruction.

The program also will offer select dual-enrollment courses, enabling participating high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit while exploring careers in public health.

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