Undergraduate Student Short-Term Opportunities

Key points

  • Learn about short-term opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Gain knowledge and unique experiences in one of many public health fields.
A multiracial group of undergraduates are talking with each other after a class at university

Who can participate

Program Description
*Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) DNPAO Nutrition and Physical Activity Traineeship Offers a competency-based, experiential education opportunity for students in the field of nutrition and physical activity who are interested in public health nutrition or physical activity as a career.

Open To
Students from populations underrepresented in the field of nutrition and/or physical activity and are US citizens, Permanent Residents, or U.S. Nationals currently enrolled in a US university at the senior through doctorate level, or are dietetic interns. A major or minor in nutrition, kinesiology, or similar degree is required.

Length/Salary
8 Weeks, paid

Application Period
January to March, contact Teresa Jones at teresa@asphn.org.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) Work study experience exposing students to a diverse array of careers in the federal sector.

Open To
Undergraduates

Length/Salary
Varies, paid

Application Period
Students should contact the Federal Work-Study Coordinator in their financial aid office for available CDC/ATSDR work study opportunities

Future Public Health Leaders Program (FPHLP) Participants in this program are assigned to Community-based organizations (CBOs) /non-profits, health systems, or government agencies and health departments to consider careers in public health.

Open To
Undergraduates in their sophomore, junior and senior year and recent baccalaureate degree students

Length/Salary
10 Weeks residential summer program, paid

Application Period
January to February

**Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) National Internship Program (HNIP) Provides direct experience matched to majors and career goals in a diverse array of careers in the federal sector.

Open To
Enrollment in a degree-seeking program (BA/BS, Masters, JD, MD, or Ph.D) and recent graduates

Length/Salary
10-15 Weeks, paid

Application Period
Spring: September to November; Summer: September to March; Fall: January to June

*Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (JRCOSTEP) An opportunity for students to work in the same federal programs as active duty Commissioned Corps officers while completing a health-related education.

Open To
Undergraduates who have completed 2 years study in baccalaureate degree program or at least 1 year of study in a master’s or doctoral program
Note: Enrollment must be in certain professional disciplines

Length/Salary
31-120 Days, paid

Application Period
September to November

Laboratory Science Fellows are assigned to laboratories in CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS) where they will be part of a multidisciplinary team and will work with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation on topics relevant to public health.

Open To
Undergraduate and graduate students majoring in applied sciences

Length/Salary
10 Weeks, paid

Application Period
November to January

*Maternal Child Health Careers/Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement – Undergraduate Program (MCHC/RISE-UP) Fellows are assigned to Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI), Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health, University of Southern California, California State University-LA, and University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine Center for Disabilities to address health disparities.

Open To
Rising juniors, seniors, and recent graduates

Length/Salary
10 Weeks summer, paid

Application Period
December to January

*Morehouse College Project IMHOTEP Program IMHOTEP interns undergo training and research in biostatistics, epidemiology, and occupational safety and health at programs and offices at CDC, state and local health departments, and non-profit organizations.

Open To
Undergraduate juniors, seniors, and recent graduates

Length/Salary
11 Weeks summer, paid

Application Period
January to February

*National Environmental Public Health Internship Program (NEPHIP) Interns are assigned to state, tribal, and local health departments to gain a firsthand perspective on day-to-day responsibilities of environmental health professionals and make invaluable connections with those working in the field.

Open To
Current sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student at the time the application is submitted with majority of courses in environmental health focus areas. Must be with EHAC accredited environmental health academic program

Length/Salary
10 Weeks, paid

Application Period
May to August

The Occupational Health Internship Program The Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP) is a full time, paid summer internship designed to link the skills and interests of students with the needs of workers employed in an under-served or high hazard job. Teams of two interns are assigned to a union or worker organization where they receive supervision from a designated staff member and an academic mentor.

Open To
Undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university who will have completed at least two years of college (i.e. juniors and seniors only) by the OHIP summer and students enrolled in graduate programs are eligible to apply. Recent graduates cannot be out of school for more than six months prior to the start of OHIP

Length/Salary
9 Weeks, paid

Application Period
January to February

ORISE CDC Research Opportunities Education experience to create expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health.

Open To
Undergraduates; graduate; post-master’s; doctoral; postdoctoral

Length/Salary
Varies, paid

Application Period
Varies

*Public Health Leadership and Learning Undergraduate Student Success (PLLUSS) Fellows are assigned to Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI); Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Johns Hopkins University undergraduate program in Public Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and School of Nursing in Baltimore, MD; California State University – Los Angeles (CSU–LA, a diverse Hispanic-serving

Open To
Undergraduate sophomore and junior students minoring or majoring in public health

Length/Salary
10 Weeks, paid

Application Period
TBD

*Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (SRCOSTEP) Those selected for the program will become Commissioned officers in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and receive full pay and benefits of an active duty officer. In return for financial assistance, SRCOSTEP participants agree to work for the USPHS sponsoring agency as a Commissioned Corps officer immediately after graduation. The service obligation is equal to twice the time sponsored.

Open To
Full-time students about to begin their final year of academic study or professional training

Length/Salary
Up to 1 Year, paid

Application Period
September to November

Student Worksite Experience Program (SWEP) A volunteer program offering opportunities to gain practical experience by engaging in projects and tasks that contribute to professional development. Student volunteers are an important part of recruiting and developing skilled workers, and preparing the workforce of the future.

Open To
High school students; college students; graduate students

Length/Salary
6 Months (180 days) maximum, unpaid

Application Period
TBD

*The Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP) Fellows are assigned to state and local health departments; non-profit organizations and various Columbia University Colleges and undergo a rigorous program which includes Public Health course work at Columbia University; hands-on field experience and immersion in a diverse, economically disadvantaged urban environment; seminars and lectures with public health leaders; and mentoring by faculty members.

Open To
Rising juniors, seniors, and recent graduates

Length/Salary
10 Weeks summer, paid

Application Period
Late January to Early February

*Denotes fellowships offered in partnership with CDC