Success Story: Move More Scholars Institute
The Move More Scholars Institute (MMSI), an intensive four day training course for community- based physical activity professionals in North Carolina, was held for the first time May 8-11, 2006 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The course aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and confidence of Scholars to integrate multiple-level physical activity interventions in their communities.
The MMSI is the first state-level training course specifically designed for community-based physical activity professionals. Building on an established model, the MMSI combines North Carolina specific content with lessons learned from the national Physical Activity and Public Health Practitioners Course offered annually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center. This combination resulted in a state specific course characterized by an in-depth specialized curriculum, an intense one-week format, interaction between course participants and faculty, and formal and informal networking in a remote residential setting.
In addition to building on the foundation of a successful national model, the MMSI expands on existing resources in North Carolina. This expansion is evident in the course name, the funding, and the advisory committee that guided the course development.
Naming the course the Move More Scholars Institute makes it a recognizable component of the Eat Smart Move More…North Carolina initiative, a statewide partnership effort aimed at making it easier for North Carolinians to eat smart and move more wherever they live, learn, work, work, play and pray.
The MMSI strengthens this effort through a curriculum focused on developing policies, practices and environments across the state to promote and support physical activity.
Although the course was offered by the North Carolina Division of Public Health, it was funded by Get Kids in Action, a partnership between The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and The Gatorade Company that aims to increase physical activity among children to reduce and prevent obesity. By working together, the North Carolina Division of Public Health and UNC Chapel Hill extended their reach to physical activity professionals across the state and enhanced the depth of material in the MMSI curriculum.
Establishing an expert advisory committee was instrumental to the development of a curriculum specific to North Carolina that addressed current and future trends of community-based physical activity initiatives. The advisory consisted of representatives from Active Living by Design, the national Physical Activity and Public Health Practitioners Course, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and the NC Division of Public Health.
Taken together, the course, the funding and the advisory committee exemplify a true public health partnership effort. This effort, characterized by a common vision, application of successful models, and expansion of existing resources, met a specific need by providing evidence-based resources to community-based leaders across the state.
“The Move More Scholars Institute equipped me with the knowledge to combat the growing obesity epidemic in my community. With the training I received from the Move More Scholars Institute, I can be the oracle my community needs to overcome and end the cycle of unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors.”
Arthenia Booth, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Family and Consumer Science Agent
The Road to Success
Scholars were chosen through a selective application process. This process, based on the selection process for the national course, reviews applicants on their professional position related to community-based physical activity programming, professional credentials, professional experience, support from their organizations and the potential to impact the health of their county by applying what they learned at the MMSI.
Twenty-eight Scholars attended the course held at the O. Henry in Greensboro, North Carolina. Twenty three were selected though the competitive application process and an additional five state-level Scholars were invited to attend. Scholars consisted of representatives from local health departments, local cooperative extension services, Parks and Recreation, NC Division of Public Health, NC Office on Disability and Health, NC Academy of Family Physicians and NC State University Recreation Resource Services.
Each session of the MMSI was taught by nationally recognized faculty from Active Living by Design, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the North Carolina Division of Public Health, and UNC Chapel Hill. Informal networking took place throughout the course, including meal times, where faculty and scholars dined together. Formal networking was provided through faculty consultations, group work, and a culminating group project.
The educational sessions combined with formal and informal networking between scholars and faculty provided a basis for the formation of a network of professionals who can effectively translate education to action across North Carolina.
Stepping Stones...
- Strengthening partnerships and building on the existing resources both nationally and in our own state.
- Common vision, partnership, and innovation in creating change.
Contact Information
Name, Title: Lori K. Schneider
Agency: NC Division of Public Health
Address: 5505 Six Forks Road
City, State, Zip: Raleigh, North Carolina, 27609
Phone: 919-707-5224
Fax: 919-870-4804
Email: Lori.Schneider@NCMail.net
