Community Health Advocates Summer Initiative
1.
About the program
CHASI is an 8-session health and enrichment summer program that equips youth with a foundational understanding of health equity and public health challenges, particularly those affecting Baltimore City and youth. Participants will also gain knowledge and tools for health navigation.
In addition, the program guides participants in the development of a social impact project proposal, fostering emerging advocates and empowering them to drive meaningful contributions within their communities while also engaging in community service, creative expression and leadership. Youth emerge as informed, empowered, and dedicated advocates.
Important Information:
Program Dates: Saturdays from Jun 27 to Aug 15
Application Deadline: June 1st at 11:59 PM
Deadline:
June 1st
Some topics covered, include:
Health Equity & Baltimore
Analyze the different factors shaping immigrant health
Learn about Health Disparities & social determinants of health
Explore and discuss Baltimore’s most pressing health challenges AND health topics particularly relevant to youth.
Community Engagement: Emerging community advocate
Strengthen Leadership and community organizing skills
Learn how to start social projects from young and community leaders
Develop a proposal to make a meaningful and collaborative impact in your community
Questions? Email jontonc1@jh.edu
Addressing the gap
The Community Health Advocates Summer Initiative (CHASI) was created in response to the lack of information and culturally sensitive assistance that reinforces barriers to care for historically underserved communities. Furthermore, in many immigrant households, children frequently serve as the primary voice for their non-English-speaking families when navigating healthcare systems from which they feel excluded, often without fully understanding the medical terminology or implications themselves.
Empowering youth is therefore essential for improving health navigation at the family level and shaping youth into advocates for their community and close networks. CHASI addresses the gap in health literacy and culturally sensitive assistance by equipping participants with the knowledge, training, and tools needed to confidently navigate the healthcare system as well as support their communities thrive.
Our purpose
As caregivers receive more accurate guidance from their children, they also become better informed to make decisions and are able to share this knowledge within their broader community, such as their work environment or neighborhood. Ultimately, the program fosters a more empowered immigrant community that understands its rights, responsibilities, and resources, contributing to improved health literacy and informed health decisions.
With support of:
2. Volunteering at partnered organization
We facilitate sessions on diverse topics at an after-school program for high school students from health and civic education to health and arts
Interested in joining? Send an email