Internship and Volunteer Opportunities

When you intern or volunteer with HCPH, you're involved in the day-to-day activities within a public health organization. For example:

• Perform disease surveillance with our avian biologist for Chikungunya, Zika, West Nile, St. Louis encephalitis and dengue viruses
• Learn about the legislative process and the impact on health by working with our Office of Policy and Planning
• Assist adoption counselors in our animal shelter with finding lost or stray animals their forever home

From disease research in the field to supporting our Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program, there are numerous opportunities and unique experiences to help you achieve your educational or personal objectives. 

You can volunteer or intern a few hours per week, join us on a long-term basis, or be a part of a special events team.

How To Apply

Please review the eligibility requirements below. Use the Volunteer/Intern Applicant Information Flowchart to identify the appropriate application for you. If you qualify, navigate to the portal or click on the application button at the top of this page and complete it.

Apply for Internships

HCPH offers internship opportunities for students attending HCPH Partnering Institutions. You get to concept, design and present your project to the health department, receive training and attend group orientations and activities. You are assigned to an individual supervisor for mentoring and you receive a polo shirt with the HCPH logo.

Click on the application button and complete the application. Internships fill up quickly, so students are encouraged to apply at least three months before the semester they wish to intern.

• Summer internship: Apply January - March
• Fall internship: Apply April - June
• Spring internship: Apply August - October

Internship Eligibility 

• Have an interest in public health, health promotion, science or other health-related discipline. (If you're not majoring in a public health related field, you can still apply if you are open to using your skills to perform public health work. For example, a public relations or graphic design major may apply to intern with our Office of Communications, Education and Engagement division)
• Currently enrolled and in good standing in a two-year, four-year or graduate level program
• Must be earning academic credit for the completion of an internship/practicum
• Classified as at least a second year student and have at least a 3.0 overall grade point average, with no grades below a D within the the last two semesters
• Able to successfully complete an application, interview and pass a background check
• Interns must commit to at least eight to ten consecutive weeks in the program. Other consecutive three-month periods can be arranged on an individual basis.

Apply To Be A Volunteer

Volunteer opportunities with HCPH are available for various departments and programs - such as the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program and COVID-19 response programs. More information can be found on the COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities page as well as the portal here.

Volunteer Eligibility

Most opportunities with HCPH require volunteers who:  

• Can work regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) unless otherwise specified
• Can commit a minimum of 50 hours per three to six month period. (For example, five hours per week for 10 weeks). High school students usually commit to 40 hours within three to six months.
• Are at least 18 years old or aged 16 or above with parental consent. Exceptions are made for volunteers seeking experiences that may be completed in one day (special events, shadowing for class assignments, etc.)
• Are able to successfully complete an application and background check (at no cost to the volunteer)

Our volunteers and interns have a significant impact on the health of our community, either directly or indirectly. We're so thankful for your interest in volunteering or interning with HCPH!

How can you help us build a healthier and more sustainable future? Just ask!