Frank K. Henry-Ala, MPH, is a tenured Public Health faculty member at Long Beach City College, where he has served since Fall 2021. His work focuses on advancing student success through equity-focused, career-connected education that connects classroom learning with real-world public health practice.

He serves as the faculty tri-chair of the Guided Pathways Advisory Subcommittee (Spring 2025–Fall 2027) and as the faculty lead for the LBCC Public Health Scholars Program and the Community Health Worker (CHW) Program, where he develops academic and workforce pathways that prepare students for careers in the health care and social assistance sector. Professor Henry-Ala also serves as the faculty advisor for the Public Health Student Club and teaches dual-enrollment public health courses in partnership with local high schools, expanding access to early-college pathways.

His work emphasizes supporting early college education, adult learners, elevating student voices, and fostering student self-determination by co-creating learning spaces and opportunities alongside students. He strongly believes in the power of collaboration across education, community organizations, and public health partners to build meaningful learning experiences and strengthen community health outcomes.

In recognition of his contributions to student success and campus leadership, he received the LBCC Viking Impact Award (2025–2026). His guiding philosophy is simple: “If the mind can conceive it, then the person can achieve it.”

Areas of Focus

• Public Health Education & Workforce Development
• Community Health Worker (CHW) Education
• Student-Centered Equity & Guided Pathways
• Career-Connected Learning & Experiential Education
• Community Partnerships & Student Leadership Development

Courses Taught

• PH 21 — Introduction to Public Health
• PH 22 — Health and Social Justice
• HLED 3 — Contemporary Health Issues
• HLED 200 — Introduction to Community Health Workers
• HLED 30 — U.S. Health Care Systems
• HLED271WE — Public Health Work Experience

Programs & Leadership

• Faculty Lead — Public Health Scholars Program
• Faculty Lead — Community Health Worker (CHW) Program
• Faculty Student Club Advisor — Public Health Student Club
• Faculty Tri-Chair — Guided Pathways Advisory Subcommittee (Spring 2025–Fall 2027)
• Faculty Mentor – LBCC Faculty Diversity Internship Program (Fall 2025-Spring 2026)

Student Engagement & Experiential Learning

• Mentors students through the Public Health Scholars Program, supporting career exploration and workforce readiness.
• Organizes and supports student participation in conferences and professional events, including the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting.
• Coordinates student involvement in the LBCC Public Health Expo, connecting students with community partners and real-world public health initiatives.
• Supports student research, poster presentations, and community-based learning projects.
• Develops career-connected learning experiences, including community partnerships, field experiences, and workforce exposure opportunities.

Professional Engagement & Recognition

• Tenure Awarded, Long Beach City College (Effective 2026)
• Viking Impact Award, Long Beach City College (2025–2026)
• Panelist & Presenter, American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting (November 4, 2025, Washington, D.C.) – Health Informatics & Information Technology Section; United Nations Advancements, Global Challenges, and Innovations
• Speaker, International Youth Day (United Nations–Affiliated Event) (August 12, 2025) - Youth Power for our Common Future: Unlocking Community Level Action for Climate & Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Digital Innovation & Art
• Speaker, Official Off-Site Side Event to the UN Partnership Forum (January 26, 2026) - Digital Public Infrastructure for Global Challenges Action Empowerment
• Panelist, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health ARISE Multicultural Conference (March 18, 2026, Los Angeles) — Collective Care in Action: Multigenerational Healing, Digital-Age Disconnection, and Workforce Pathways in Multicultural Mental Health