The Statewide Pacific Islander Asian American Resource and Coordinating Center (SPARC) program, funded through the California Tobacco Prevention Program’s Statewide Coordinating Center grant, aims to foster interactive and integrative collaboration and communication among regional projects and others in the state working to reduce tobacco-related disparities among the diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NHPI) communities.
Follow us via APPEAL on social media and subscribe to our newsletter (at the bottom of the page) for the periodic updates!
2024 SPARC Internship with Leilani Prak
Reflection
My involvement with APPEAL’s SPARC program has been such an engaging and enjoyable experience for me by offering valuable insights into policy, research methods, and effective communication strategies within the realm of Public Health concerning health disparities among AA/NH/PI communities. Throughout my 11-week internship, I had the privilege to collaborate with highly dedicated staff members contributing to the utilization of data and research to deepen our understanding of the impact of tobacco within our communities. One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience with SPARC was the welcoming and kind environment fostered by the amazing program team. I was encouraged to explore new facets of tobacco control with highly engaging resources and opportunities. From policy analysis to informative fact sheets, from engaging in informative webinars to crafting research posts, I gained a diverse understanding of public health and tobacco control efforts. Overall, this internship broadened my perspective on the influence of tobacco companies on our communities, motivating my continued commitment to advocate for meaningful change through policy intervention and community building.
SPARC Leadership Summit April 2024
