Neighborhood Innovation Zones (NIZs)

Neighborhood Innovation Zones (NIZs) are community-centered hubs designed to merge public health workforce development with economic empowerment in underserved neighborhoods. Through culturally responsive health education and applied skill-building, NIZs support residents in developing job-ready competencies and pathways into employment, entrepreneurship, and community service.

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What NIZs Offer 

NIZs will connect residents with:

• Career-Ready Skill Development: Hands-on training in public health fundamentals, systems navigation, community engagement, and professional workplace practices.

• Verified Competencies & Credentialing: Certificates documenting applied projects, field experience, and demonstrated workforce-ready skills for health-adjacent roles.

• Workforce Placement & Community Impact: Exposure to local employers, community-based projects, and pathways to entry-level positions in healthcare, human services, and neighborhood innovation initiatives.

 

Smart Growth Through a Lifecycle Model

NIZs follow a strategic path to sustainable impact:

Ideation → Planning → Launch → Growth → Sustainability

Each phase builds on the last to ensure long-term success through wellness-driven economics.​