The Cooperative Extension System is committed to building the capacity of the Extension workforce to engage in efforts to improve population health. While many Extension staff have completed academic coursework and or have work experience in health-related fields, few have pursued professional certification in these areas and may not be recognized by others working in health or healthcare as being potential contributors toward community-based efforts to improve the health of residents.  Cornell University has developed a postgraduate certificate program specifically designed for Cooperative Extension employees interested obtaining the Certified in Public Health (CPH) or Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) designations.