Education
Education at COPHI
COPHI’s education initiatives equip researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and community partners with the knowledge and tools to address poverty-driven health challenges. Our programs emphasize interdisciplinary learning, real-world application, and translation of research into practice.
Sarah Brewer, PhD, MPA
Director of Education
At COPHI, we see education as a critical bridge between research, policy, and real-world impact. Our educational programming is designed to equip current and emerging public health professionals with the practical skills, interdisciplinary perspectives, and collaborative networks needed to address the complex challenges of poverty and health.
Through initiatives like our micro-credentialing program, Works in Progress series, and community-engaged learning opportunities, we are creating accessible, competency-based pathways that connect evidence to action. These programs are intentionally designed to support learners at every stage—from early exploration to advanced application—while fostering meaningful exchange across academia, community organizations, and policy spaces.
By investing in flexible, workforce-aligned training, COPHI is helping to strengthen Colorado’s public health infrastructure and ensure that research does not just inform conversations, but drives measurable change in communities.
PROGRAMS & OPPORTUNITIES
Micro-Credentialing Program (Launching Fall 2026)
Flexible, skills-based training to strengthen Colorado’s public health workforce.
COPHI, in partnership with the Colorado School of Public Health, is developing a micro-credentialing program designed to strengthen Colorado’s public health workforce.
These micro-credentials offer focused, competency-based learning opportunities in areas such as
- Epidemiology of Poverty & Social Determinants
- Poverty, Health & Social Structures
Anticipated to launch in Fall 2026, the program will expand access to professional development and support career advancement across the state.
Work In Progress (WIP) Series
A collaborative space to share and strengthen in-progress research
COPHI’s WIP series provides opportunities for members to present research, program development, and policy ideas in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment.
Participants:
- Share work at early, mid, or late stages
- Receive constructive, solution-oriented feedback
- Engage in cross-disciplinary discussion
- Build collaboration and mentorship
Want to learn more about participating?
Learn more about the WIP series
Breakfast & Learn Series
Faculty-led sessions that connect research to real-world practice.
COPHI’s Breakfast & Learn series connects faculty with community and partner organizations to share research, insights, and emerging topics related to poverty and health. These sessions are currently offered in collaboration with Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) and are tailored to support the work of participating organizations.
Through these discussions, COPHI faculty present relevant, actionable content while fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange in real-world settings.
Interested in participating as a speaker or host site? Contact us
REACH (R25 Training Program)
A federally funded training program focused on advancing research at the intersection of homelessness, substance use, and health
REACH (Research Education for Addressing Challenges of Homelessness) is an NIH-funded R25 program designed to train clinician-researchers to address complex, poverty-driven health challenges. The program brings together interdisciplinary partners and national experts to support research that improves care for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders.
Through REACH, scholars:
- Engage in mentored, interdisciplinary research
- Build skills to address homelessness, substance use, and related health outcomes
- Collaborate with national partners and community organizations
- Translate research into policy, practice, and real-world impact
REACH is supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R25DA065058.
Opportunities Offered by our Affiliates
