Introduction to Public Health for High Schoolers at Georgetown University

Course Description: Introduction to Public Health for High Schoolers at Georgetown University

Discover the world of public health: A summer course for high school students

Unlock the door to a fulfilling career in public health with our dynamic summer course designed specifically for high school students. This program offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of public health, bridging the realms of medicine, public policy, and societal influences on health. Dive into historical and contemporary case studies, and discover how public health initiatives can transform communities both nationally and globally.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Gain a foundational understanding of public health principles and their application.

• Explore major health issues affecting diverse populations and learn about potential solutions.

• Develop critical thinking skills by evaluating successful public health interventions.

• Engage in a capstone project that challenges you to devise innovative strategies for real-world health challenges.

• Receive recognition for your achievements with a course completion certificate, a letter of recognition, and an official Georgetown transcript.

Location

This course is part of the prestigious program at Georgetown University, providing students with a university-level experience and access to world-class resources. Immerse yourself in an academic environment that fosters learning and growth.

Course Description

Public Health Fundamentals:

Embark on a journey to understand the core concepts of public health. This course will guide you through the intersections of medicine, policy, and societal impacts on health. Gain insight into how public health professionals tackle pressing health challenges and work to improve outcomes for populations worldwide.

• Learn: Grasp the fundamental concepts of public health and its pivotal role in society.

• Explore: Delve into key health challenges and explore their causes and potential solutions.

• Evaluate: Analyze real-world public health interventions and assess their impact on communities.

• Develop: Cultivate innovative solutions to health problems through research and critical thinking.

• Demonstrate: Showcase your understanding by designing and presenting a project that applies public health perspectives to enhance health outcomes.

Admission Criteria

To join this transformative program, an interest in public health is essential. Applicants must complete the Summer Institute application process to secure their spot.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for aspiring public health professionals eager to explore the field's fundamentals. It provides a solid foundation to help you decide if a career in public health aligns with your aspirations.

Benefits

Experience an enriching university-level course and build your academic portfolio with the following recognitions:

• Course Completion Certificate: A testament to your successful completion of the program.

• Letter of Recognition: Acknowledging your academic achievements during the course.

• Official Georgetown Transcript: Providing formal documentation of your participation and success.

Embark on this educational adventure and take the first step toward a rewarding career in public health. Join us this summer and transform your passion into potential!

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

• For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 Georgetown University – Campus Profile (Washington, D.C.)

Georgetown University offers a world-class pre-college environment rooted in academic excellence, tradition, and global perspective. Located in one of Washington, D.C.’s most historic neighborhoods, the campus blends stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and a charming waterfront — creating an inspiring atmosphere for motivated students.

Surrounded by museums, monuments, government landmarks, and cultural institutions, Georgetown provides a learning experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Students explore interdisciplinary subjects, engage in hands-on projects, and benefit from instruction delivered by knowledgeable faculty and expert educators.

With its blend of rigorous academics, cultural immersion, and a warm campus community, Georgetown University is an ideal setting for students seeking a meaningful and transformative summer learning experience.

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✨ Program Environment

• Designed for high school and middle school students seeking strong academics and exciting extracurriculars

• Courses taught by experienced instructors selected from Georgetown’s academic community

• Curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, real-world learning, and foundational skill development

• Ideal for students who are motivated, curious, and eager to explore Washington, D.C.’s culture and history

• Located in a vibrant neighborhood filled with shops, cafes, theaters, and historic landmarks

• Combines academic challenge with opportunities for exploration, leadership, and personal growth

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏨 Housing (residential programs)

• 🍽 Three meals per day during the week; two meals per day on weekends

• 🎡 Afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

• 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

• 🏋️ Access to athletic and recreation facilities

• 🛌 Blanket, linens, and pillow

• 🛡 Full campus safety and supervision

Note: Some academies and specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 🧼 Laundry

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

• 🎟 Supplemental course fees (if applicable)

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

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🎡 Top Activities in Washington, D.C.

• 🏛 Smithsonian museums, White House visit, MLK Memorial, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Air & Space Museum

• ⚾ Washington Nationals baseball game

• 🌊 National Harbor & D.C. Waterfront

• 🎢 Six Flags

• 🛍 Shopping at Pentagon City Mall and Tysons Corner

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🎧 Silent Disco and Live Band Karaoke

• 🎭 Variety shows with comedians, hypnotists, mentalists, and magicians

• 🎨 Clubs: arts, baking, sports tournaments, leagues, and game nights

• 🍔 End-of-summer BBQ with lawn games and music

• 🏀 Staff vs. Students Basketball Tournament

• ⚽ Bubble Soccer Tournament

• 🔫 On-campus Laser Tag