High school students explore public health careers – Welcome to San Bernardino County

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In a dynamic collaboration between San Bernardino County’s Department of Public Health (DPH) and Colony High School in Ontario, 25 freshmen students visited DPH for an immersive field trip designed to showcase real-world career paths and educational programs.

The visit was coordinated by the DPH’s Workforce Development Program and featured hands-on sessions and presentations from three key programs: the Environmental Health Service’s Mosquito and Vector Control Program (MVCP), Friday Night Live (FNL), and the Preparedness and Response Program (PRP).

Discovering public health career pathways
Students had the opportunity to explore the diverse public health programs offered by DPH. The presentation highlighted the wide range of programs and career paths available within Public Health, with a special focus on the impactful work of DPH in the community.

Exploring mosquito and vector control

The day began with a guided tour of the Mosquito and Vector Control (MVCP) office. Students saw public health in action as they observed the tools used in vector control operations. They were introduced to mosquito fish, a natural method used to control mosquito populations in backyard ponds. Students also gained insight into the science behind trapping mosquitoes through a close-up look at carbon dioxide traps and dry ice. They also toured the vector lab, where the vector ecologist demonstrated how mosquito species are identified and prepared for virus testing. A microscope was set up with a mosquito specimen connected to a screen, allowing students to see an enlarged image to provide a clear look at the mosquito’s features and help illustrate how different species are identified. The vector ecologist also showed a preserved dead bird and explained its importance in tracking the presence of diseases like West Nile virus in the community. The students also sat for an MVCP presentation which provided a deeper understanding of the program’s broader role in controlling vectors and the services it offers to the community.

A dose of prevention

Students met with the Friday Night Live (FNL) team, who demonstrated the impact of impaired driving using vision-altering goggles. This interactive activity helped students understand the realities of driving under the influence and how substances can impact your body’s ability to perform everyday tasks. The health education specialists also discussed their roles in raising awareness about substance use prevention.

Simulating an emergency response

The visit with the Preparedness and Response Program (PRP) gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how San Bernardino County Department of Public Health responds to public health emergencies. At the Department Operations Center (DOC), students learned more about PRP and its critical role during public health emergencies. As the students took their seats, they learned they were sitting in the very same seats used by responders during the County’s COVID-19 response.

This was a moment to remind everyone that they were not just learning about public health but being prepared to shape its future. Instead of simply hearing about emergency management, they experienced it through a DOC simulated activation. In a simulated virus outbreak, students were assigned to key DOC roles across Planning and Intelligence, Logistics, Operations, and Finance sections. Together, they coordinated the County’s emergency response and worked as a team to stop the fictional outbreak. The simulation gave the students hands-on insight into the structure, communication, and teamwork required during real emergency activations.

This engaging field trip was more than just a day away from the classroom, it was a meaningful introduction to public service careers. From controlling disease vectors to preparing communities for emergencies, and educating the public, students left with a broader understanding of the many different paths available within public health.

To learn more about the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health and its programs, visit dph.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – May 22, 2025