** All applications must be sent through email as an attachment to **

** healthenhancement@niu.edu **

Background

Health Enhancement (HE) is the health promotion department within the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management. In support of the mission of Northern Illinois University, HE strives to provide population-based, student-centered, relevant health promotion information, materials, and interventions to assist students as they pursue academic goals. HE is also the steward of the Toni Lotsof Primary Prevention Endowment Fund for the NIU Foundation. Toni Lotsof was a distinguished NIU faculty member and community activist for whom the award is named. This fund is designed to pay a stipend for an NIU student to work under the auspices of Health Enhancement on a community health promotion project - something that is not aimed at the NIU campus community, but the DeKalb County community.

This project is seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated student who is passionate about community health promotion. The student selected will participate in a semester-long project related to the health and wellness needs of the DeKalb County community. The student will work about seven to nine hours per week to complete a total of 120-130 hours. Project approval and oversight will be done with the project leader or designee. 

Benefits

• Work closely with the community health professionals
• Possible obtainment of grant writing skills
• Gain knowledge of project planning
• Develop organizational/reporting skills
• Earn a stipend up to $1000 (payable in two installments)

Eligibility Requirements

• Academic Standards:
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 minimum (Undergraduate)
  • 3.0 minimum (Graduate)
  • Student-at-large status acceptable
• Reliable transportation
• At least one letter of recommendation
• Submission of an unofficial transcript
• Preferred
  • Demonstration of knowledge/experience within a community in DeKalb county
  • Demonstration of good organizational skills
  • 60 or more completed undergraduate hours or equivalent experience

Current projects with our partners

Pioneering Healthy Communities (also called “Live Healthy DeKalb County”) is currently working on several projects to improve the health and wellness of the people of DeKalb County. These include but are not limited to: adding and improving bicycle paths and creating a number of community gardens in the area. For more information check out www.kishymca.org/pioneering_communities.html

Note: New projects are constantly under consideration and development. Your input and ideas will be considered.