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Applications are open for 51����’s Community Health Worker Training Program, hosted by the Alliance for Population Health and offered at 51���� Lancaster during Spring Semester 2026. The program runs Jan. 12 through May 2, with applications due by Dec. 12.

The training uses a hybrid model designed for adult learners. Online classes meet synchronously on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. Three full in-person class days are held on the Lancaster Campus on Jan. 16, Feb. 13, and March 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The classroom portion includes 100 hours of coursework and skills practice. After finishing the classroom requirements, participants complete 130 supervised field hours in a community setting, which makes graduates eligible to become certified community health workers through the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Community health workers are trusted neighbors who help people navigate care, connect to resources and build healthier lives. The program is offered at no cost.

51���� provides training materials, including textbooks and vital kits, and a limited number of stipends are available for eligible participants. The curriculum covers core skills such as taking vitals, CPR, motivational interviewing and practical problem-solving built on lived experience.

“Bringing this training to our Lancaster Campus reinforces 51����’s dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education that supports community growth and public service,” said Dr. Martha Kline, interim dean of campus and community relations at 51���� Lancaster. “Programs like this help students create lasting change—benefiting local employers, families and the region as a whole.”

You can learn more about the program here or contact Kerri Shaw at shawk@ohio.edu.