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An instructor demonstrating lab equipment to a group of students

Investing in Youth, Expanding the Public Health Workforce

The establishment of the Oz Nelson Public Health Academy Endowed Fund marks a meaningful milestone in the CDC Foundation’s and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) shared commitment to public health education and workforce development. Created in memory of public health champion Kent C. “Oz” Nelson, former chairman and chief executive officer of United Parcel Service and former board chair of the CDC Foundation, this endowment, with a fundraising goal of $2.5 million, will ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the CDC Museum Public Health Academy.

Through the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, the academy has been focusing on critical workforce development needs by creating immersive learning experiences for high school students. These experiences include a week-long summer Disease Detective Camp that simulates CDC’s epidemiology, laboratory and public communications activities during a mock disease outbreak.

“The Disease Detective Camp provides an opportunity for high school students to get access and exposure to public health at that age where they’re really curious about the world, and they’re wondering how they can make a difference,” said Trudi Ellerman, MEd, education director at the CDC Museum.

A smiling student writing on a clipboard and talking to a seated CDC scientist
A student at the Disease Detective Camp in Atlanta, GA, interviews a CDC scientist to learn more about public health career paths and opportunities.
Seated students listening to guide describe the CDC's history at the Disease Detective Camp
Students learn about CDC’s history as part of their curriculum at the Disease Detective Camp, which exposes students to the possibilities of public health careers.

The endowment will significantly expand these efforts, enabling more students to access hands-on training in epidemiology, laboratory techniques and health communications.

“In our everyday lives, we might not know about different opportunities to be almost like a superhero,” said one student attending the 2024 Disease Detective Camp. “You really get that chance through public health.”

The expansion of the academy through this endowment directly addresses the pressing challenges of meeting increasing workforce demands and establishing clear pathways into the public health field. What started as a focused summer program has flourished into a comprehensive educational program featuring an online course, engaging teen newsletters and specialized science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) resources for educators. The program offers diverse educational opportunities that cater to various learning styles and interests. Through virtual and in-person experiences, students gain invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of public health, preparing them for future careers in this critical field.

“We need leaders of tomorrow that understand the cross-discipline and cross-sector opportunities for solving the biggest health-related problems society faces,” said Judy Monroe, MD, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation.

The academy’s impact is perhaps best measured through its alumni, many of whom have gone on to pursue careers in medicine, public health and related fields. According to program data, 60 percent of participants report that the program directly influenced their choice of college major, while another 20 percent had already planned to study public health—demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in both confirming and inspiring career paths in public health.

This endowment helps ensure the program can continue to provide free, accessible public health education to high school students while expanding its reach and impact. As global health challenges evolve, this investment in developing the next generation of public health leaders becomes increasingly vital.