“We planned and strategized more deeply as a team because we had a framework and tools by which to do that. […] When we’re mapping our networks really intentionally and thinking about where we have power and influence, I think we are able to plan more deeply and more effectively.”
– Eric, Indiana Office of Public Health Performance Management
Each year, we support Title V teams in an intensive learning experience!
Our 10-month Learning Journey experience is designed for state and jurisdictional Title V teams who want to increase their workforce capacity and address a complex health transformation challenge.
We provide guidance and structured support to help your team move from the “current state” to the “desired state” on a priority challenge of your choice. We work with teams to improve the way their workforce functions, and we help teams connect the dots between their internal workforce capacity and the external challenges they face in promoting population health.
We expect to open applications for the 2026 Learning Journey in September 2025. Want to receive updates about this and other opportunities? Sign up for our newsletter!
Who should participate?
The Learning Journey is designed for teams of state or territorial Title V professionals and their partners. We strongly encourage you to identify family leaders and community partners to participate with you as part of your team. Inclusive teams will be better equipped to apply new skills and tools in ways that will work for your particular context. They will also be more likely to generate new strategies and innovative approaches to your challenge.
What is a Health Transformation Challenge?
Transformed health systems improve health and well-being for people throughout the life course. In 2024, we supported Title V teams working on health transformation challenges to:
- Create a comprehensive framework for decision-making about resource allocation.
- Create a strategic plan for state adolescent and young adult health.
- Create or enhance workforce supports related to onboarding, mentoring, and internships.
- Identify and implement primary prevention strategies related to mental health.
Every Title V agency is different. Even if your organization’s challenge isn’t like those listed above, we can still support you through the Learning Journey experience. Our support is customized to help each team accomplish their goals.
What is included?
Each Learning Journey team is assigned a coach with many years of experience working with teams of MCH professionals. Your coach will help your team explore your selected challenge and advance your goals.
In addition to ongoing coaching, the Learning Journey provides a structured experience that includes:
- A two-day, virtual Systems Exploration Workshop. This workshop will help your team do a deep dive with key partners to explore your challenge.
- A four-day, in-person Learning Institute in Chapel Hill, N.C. The Learning Institute provides teams with foundational skills and tools to support health transformation.
- Three virtual skills-building workshops.
- An intensive, in-state or remote consultation with a team of experts.
- A final peer-learning webinar that helps teams transition their focus to sustaining and amplifying their health transformation work.
Through the cohort aspect of the experience, individuals will also have opportunities to connect and network with Title V peers from across the country.
What skills will my team learn?
We emphasize learning and provide tools in several key areas. Relevant research and our own experiences have shown that skills and tools in these areas can help teams better approach and tackle complex challenges.
- Change management and adaptive leadership
- Evidence-based decision-making and applied implementation
- Systems integration
- Engagement with family leaders and community members
How much does it cost?
The National MCH Workforce Development Center (MCH WDC) is funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. All services are provided at no cost to state agencies. However, to secure a spot in the Learning Journey state teams must commit to participating in all learning opportunities AND to completing all evaluation activities.
Program Timeline
This timeline, from the 2025 Learning Journey, provides an example of our typical program and time commitment.
2025 Learning Journey Timeline
- November 20, 2024: 3-4 p.m. EASTERN
Welcome Webinar for 2024 Learning Journey teams and coaches - November 2024
Exploratory Conversations with state/jurisdiction teams and coaches - December 2024
State Travel Team members begin making travel arrangements for the Learning Institute. - January 14 and 16, 2025: Noon-5 p.m. EASTERN
Systems Exploration Workshops - January 2025
Accepted teams continue exploratory work with team coaches. Clarify learning goals and team member roles. Prepare Travel Team for the Learning Institute. - March-August 2025
Teams work with coaches to advance goals. - April-June 2025 (April 2, May 7, June 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. EASTERN)
Learning Workshops for all state/jurisdiction teams - June-August 2025
In-state or remote consultation (1-4 day visits) with coach and relevant Center experts - August 20, 2025: 3-5 p.m. EASTERN
Peer-Learning Celebration Webinar
More Information
Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Please contact Rebecca Greenleaf at rebecca_greenleaf@unc.edu.