Photo of Morish Shah, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Project UNITY
Logo for Common Health Coalition
Project UNITY logo
Y-PHIC to Equip High School Changemakers with Funding, Mentorship, and Access to National Public Health Leaders
The Common Health Coalition is proud to support the launch of Y-PHIC, an inspired initiative that positions young people as the architects of public health's future.”
— Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc
CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, July 14, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Project UNITY, a youth-led nonprofit at the forefront of next-gen public health leadership, is proud to officially announce the launch of the Youth Public Health Innovation Coalition (Y-PHIC) — a national incubator designed to help high school students scale existing public health initiatives through structured mentorship, funding, and technical training.
Funded and supported by the Common Health
“The Common Health Coalition is proud to support the launch of Y-PHIC, an inspired initiative that positions young people as the architects of public health's future,” said Dave A. Chokshi, M.D., MSc., chair of the Coalition. “By investing in their leadership today, we're laying the foundation for a more equitable, partnership-driven, and responsive health system — built by the very youth who will inherit it."
A National Launchpad for Youth-Led Public Health Solutions
Y-PHIC is the flagship initiative of Project UNITY that equips the next generation of changemakers with the tools, funding, and guidance to tackle real-world health challenges and drive innovation in their communities. Through a curated curriculum, personalized mentorship from experienced nonprofit leaders and public health professionals, and expert-led workshops, participants learn how to measure impact, build sustainable partnerships, and effectively pitch their work to leaders across sectors.
“Y-PHIC is rooted in a simple belief: that young people are not only the future of public health, but they’re already leading it,” said Rotimi Kukoyi, Co-Director of Y-PHIC. “We’re creating the infrastructure for youth leaders to be heard, resourced, and positioned as equal partners in solving public health challenges,” added Sarah Guo, Co-Director of Y-PHIC.
Responding to an Urgent Need
With a projected 18 million global health worker shortage by 2030, the healthcare sector is in urgent need of innovative talent and bold leadership. Y-PHIC directly responds by preparing high school students to enter and lead the public health workforce from day one.
“Since 2020, Project UNITY has trained over 580 students across 25 states,” said Morish Shah (pictured) and Pranav Mehta, Co-Founders and Executive Directors of Project UNITY. “With the launch of Y-PHIC, we’re equipping high school students with the education and resources they need to confidently innovate — and become the healthcare leaders of tomorrow. Our vision is to mold Project UNITY into a national pillar for youth-led public health innovation.”
Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2025
High School Student Cohort
Y-PHIC is now accepting applications for its inaugural Fall 2025 Cohort. High school students actively leading public health nonprofits or health advocacy projects are encouraged to apply.
Selected participants will receive:
● Personalized mentorship from leading healthcare professionals and graduate students
● Expert-led workshops on topics like digital health, grant writing, and community engagement
● Microgrants to scale their public health initiatives locally and nationwide
● Access to pitch their projects at a national public health innovation showcase
Mentee Application: https://forms.gle/hP9BdDsYdPqcXmdq6 (Deadline - August 1, 2025)
Graduate & Professional Mentor Cohort
Y-PHIC is also seeking undergraduate or graduate mentors who have successfully developed and led a nonprofit or community health initiative and want to support the next generation of leaders. Mentors will guide student teams in strategic planning, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. This is a unique paid opportunity to share your real-world experience and help young changemakers scale their impact. If you have not yet launched a nonprofit or community health project but are a graduate student in public health, medicine, policy, or a related field, you are still encouraged to apply.
Mentor Application: https://forms.gle/pn7WN3YG4bvNMUTAA (Deadline: August 1, 2025)
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