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The Mass League and Suffolk University Certificate Program:

2026-2027 Community Health and Community Health Center Management Certificate

Since 2002, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers has partnered with Suffolk University’s Moakley Center to offer a Certificate in Community Health and Community Health Center Management.

The goal of the program is to provide employees of health centers the opportunity to access affordable graduate level education. In turn, their participation builds the internal capacity in health centers by equipping them with the new skills and advanced management tools.

This distinctive certificate program cultivates and supports opportunities for public and nonprofit sector employees to share ideas and promote community engagement while enhancing communication, networking, and problem-solving between and among health centers.

Our eight-month, health center-focused curriculum includes modules in health policy, human resources, leadership, grant writing, finance, and marketing. Participants attending these sessions earn up to 12 credit waivers toward future graduate studies at Suffolk University’s MPA Program.

In 2019, the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) identified the League’s Suffolk program as one of the “most effective” workforce training programs the Mass League conducts.

Important Information for Community Health Centers Sponsoring Applicants

Each program applicant is sponsored by the community health center where they are currently employed. As the applicant’s sponsoring agency, the health center agrees to:

  1. Allow time for this staff member to participate in this program and complete required assignments.
  2. Pay the tuition fee for members of $6,126 or $8,060 for non-members (membership refers to Mass League membership).
  3. Complete the Supervisor & CEO Authorization Form which must be signed by your supervisor and health center CEO.

The application cycle for the 2026-2027 year opens July 6, 2026. All applications are due by August 2, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Late applications will not be accepted. Click here to submit an application on Cvent:

What You’ll Need to Apply:

  • Completed online application via  Cvent (opens July 6), which includes a 500 word personal statement – see here
  • Combine the below documents into one PDF (student resume, supervisor letter, and CEO/supervisor sign off form) then upload to Cvent platform
    • Most recent résumé with current title and responsibilities
    • Letter of recommendation from your supervisor
    • Completed recommendation form signed by a supervisor & CEO

Join one of the listening sessions listed below to learn more about the program. Pre-registration is required. 

General program inquiries can be sent to our email .

Class of 2025 Student Feedback:

“This course has reaffirmed my passion for this line of work and introduced me to several new strategies for practicing adaptive leadership.”

“Attending these courses has deepened my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in community health leadership. I have learned to think more strategically, balancing limited resources, adapting to policy changes, and addressing the diverse needs of patients and staff. My approach to problem-solving has become more collaborative, data-informed, and equity-driven. I have also gained practical skills in grant writing, fundraising, and quality assurance that I can immediately apply to advance my organization’s mission. Most importantly, the program has reinforced my commitment to health equity and the importance of leading with compassion, accountability, and adaptability. Overall, I feel more confident, capable, and prepared to make meaningful contributions to both my organization and the broader community health movement.”

FAQS 2026-2027 Schedule Apply