The University of Minnesota Office for Business and Community Economic Development is now accepting applications for the 2011 Community Health Initiative (CHI) Student Consulting Projects. This program is designed to support students interested in working with community-based organizations that work to address public health issues impacting traditionally underserved communities.

The CHI program matches organizations with undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in either the School of Public Health, Social Work or the School of Medicine, Carlson School of Management or Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs or other graduate programs within the University.

Complete eligibility requirements and online applications for community-based organizations can be found by visiting the CHI website. Applications are due Wednesday, September 14, 2011.

CHI Student Consulting Projects are experiential learning opportunities for students to work on specific projects that have been identified by local nonprofit organizations or businesses involved in addressing public health issues.

These projects attempt to deal with a business need of the organization and may focus in areas including but not limited to market research, marketing, feasibility studies, implementation planning, implementation, health administration, and outreach. Each consulting projects lasts 50-60 hours after which each participating student is paid a stipend of $700.