Gillings on the Ground, launched in Fall 2020, combines cohort-based learning with interdisciplinary training to develop a team of students primed with the skills – and the structure and coordination within the Gillings School – to work with communities in disaster preparedness and relief. The program features a 5-week training program or “mini-course” that cultivates skills focused on various aspects of disaster relief and community engagement. Following the completion of the training program, trainees will be awarded a certificate of completion and connected with community partners to complete disaster-related service opportunities as a cohort, both locally and in areas hit by disaster. [Cohort-wide service opportunities have been halted until after COVID-19] Trainees will also gain access to an exclusive listserv of curated disaster-related service opportunities submitted by our community partners.