Dr. Gregorio, Professor, UConn’s Department of Public Health Sciences was recently awarded a $1,900,000 contract from the Connecticut Department of Public Health titled “Education-Enhanced Pipeline to a Public Health Science Corps”. The effort is intended to increase the number and professional abilities of public health workers in Connecticut, while simultaneously fostering a statewide culture that promotes public health readiness in communities. Activities supported by this funding include engaging with the Storrs and Regional campuses in efforts to encourage undergraduates to consider careers in public/population health by highlighting careers and academic opportunities, assisting high schools to offer courses in public health and epidemiology through UConn’s Early College Experience, and implementing a UConn Certificate on Leadership for individuals preparing to lead public health and human service organizations.