Rural public health agencies often struggle to find steady money to pay their staff. At the same time, universities need real-world places where students can learn and build skills for their future jobs.

To solve both problems, local public health agencies in Southwest and South Central Minnesota teamed up with Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Department of Health Science.

Through this partnership, MSU-Mankato has changed some of its classwork so students can help local health agencies. Students now study real data to find out what their communities need, then share their findings and ideas. Others research the best ways to share health information with the different groups who live in our rural towns.

Students who want a career in public health can also apply for paid internships. In these roles, they learn how rural public health works and take on projects that help the whole region.

Learn more about Minnesota State University, Mankato's Department of Health Science.