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Host a Student or Intern (Short-term Opportunities)

Do you need a specialized skill set for a priority project in your organization? Are you looking for broad support to advance your public health objectives? CDC fellows and interns can help you accomplish your goals. Fellows are assigned to public health organizations and CDC Centers, Institutes, or Offices where they work alongside mentors and subject matter experts to work on complex problems, gaining invaluable experience for their future public health careers.

High School Students

Topic Description for Host Sites Education Length Does Host Program Pay? Application Period
Public Health Science *CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Participants will learn the collection and analysis of data and the use of that data to improve people’s health.
High school juniors or seniors 5 Days No TBD
General Interest *Student Worksite Experience Program (SWEP)
Students are assigned to programs and offices across CDC to gain practical experience by engaging in projects and tasks that contribute to professional development.
High school students;
college students;
graduate students;
6 Months (180 days) maximum No Ongoing

*Denotes opportunities that are only eligible to be hosted at CDC. Interested CDC programs should contact fellowships@cdc.gov

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Undergraduate Students

Topic Description for Host Sites Education Length Does Host Program Pay? Application Period
Laboratory *Biochemical Markers
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.
Undergraduate and graduate students majoring in applied sciences. 10 Weeks No TBD
Ethics *CDC-Tuskegee University Public Health Ethics
Interns work with mentors from across the agency to develop projects applying public health ethics principles. They also gain opportunities to become familiar with the CDC workplace and observe the principles of public health ethics in practice on a daily basis.
Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Tuskegee University TBD TBD Contact: Jo A. Valentine, MSW
Associate Director, Office of Health Equity
Division of STD Prevention, NCHHSTP, CDC
jxv2@cdc.gov
404.639-8366
Environmental Health *Collegiate Leaders in Environmental Health (CLEH)
Interns are assigned to programs throughout National Center for Environmental Health and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) to work on environmental health projects.
Rising juniors or rising seniors
(fulltime enrollment at a college or university)
10 Weeks Summer No Late January
Health Education/Communication DHPE Internship Program for Public Health Practice
Interns are assigned to federal, state and local health departments, community-based organizations and other health-related agencies. This internship offers a unique opportunity to prepare students of federally designated minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to apply academic skills and problem-solving to real-life work experiences.
Apply to host a DHPE intern
Undergraduates Students from minority-serving institutions 12 Weeks No TBD
General Interest *Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
Students are assigned to programs and offices across CDC for diverse experiences in a variety of occupations.
Undergraduates Varies No Varies
General Interest 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.
Undergraduates in their junior and senior year and recent baccalaureate degree students. 10 Weeks residential summer program No January to February
General Interest HACU National Internship Program (HNIP)
Interns in this program are assigned to government and corporate sector organizations to explore challenging careers in business, research, technology, and management.
Apply to host an HNIP intern
Enrollment in a degree-seeking (BA/BS, Masters, JD, MD, or Ph.D.) 10-15 Weeks TBD TBD
General Interest Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (JRCOSTEP)
Participants are assigned to federal agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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 31-120 Days TBD TBD
Management/ Leadership 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.
Undergraduate (juniors and seniors) 10 Weeks Summer No December to January
Minority Health Morehouse College Project IHMOTEP Program
IHMOTEP 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.
Undergraduates in their junior and senior year 11 Weeks Summer No January – February
Environmental Health 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.
Apply to host an NEPHIP intern.
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. 8-10 weeks No December
General Interest Public Health Leadership and Learning Undergraduate Student Success (PLLUSS) Program
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 institution) in Los Angeles, CA; and University of Cincinnati and (UC-NIOSH) and undergo projects related to public health research and community health activities, mentorship, and professional development, especially in the area of promotion of health equity and the elimination of health disparities research.
Undergraduate sophomore and junior students minoring or majoring in public health 8 Weeks No January
General Interest 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
Full-time students about to begin their final year of academic study or professional training Up to 12 Months TBD TBD
General Interest *Student Worksite Experience Program (SWEP)
Students are assigned to programs and offices across CDC to gain practical experience by engaging in projects and tasks that contribute to professional development.
High school students;
college students;
graduate students;
6 Months (180 days) maximum No Ongoing
Environmental Health *Summer Program in Environmental Health (SUPEH)
Interns are assigned to programs throughout National Center for Environmental Health and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) to work on environmental health projects.
Eligibility limited to rising junior and senior undergraduates and graduate students with environmental health major in a program accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council 10 Weeks Summer No January
Public Health Science 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.
Junior, senior and recent baccalaureate students 10 Weeks Summer No Late January – Early February

*Denotes opportunities that are only eligible to be hosted at CDC. Interested CDC programs should contact fellowships@cdc.gov.

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Master's Degree Students

Topic Description for Host Sites Education Length Does Host Program Pay? Application Period
Public Health Law Administrative and Communication Internships and Externships
Students explore the critical role of public health lawyers and analysts who work to advance the use of laws as a public health tool.
2nd Year & 3rd Year Students; Communication and Administration (Requires a Master’s Degree Program) 9-14 Weeks No Summer: January 31 (Deadline)
Fall: April 30(Deadline)
Spring: November 1(Deadline)
Laboratory *Biochemical Markers
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.
Undergraduate and graduate students majoring in applied sciences. 10 Weeks No TBD
Public Health Law CDC/ATSDR Branch of OGC Internship and Externship Opportunities
Interns and externs work with program attorneys on projects of mutual interest and are given opportunities to learn about varied areas of law. Paid internships are subject to the availability of funds. One paid internship position and three externship positions for academic credit are available.
Rising 2nd and 3rd year law students; Only rising 3rd year students eligible for paid internship position 10-12 weeks, summer paid (internship); academic credit only (externships); unpaid student volunteers Yes February. For additional information, contact Louise Moore
Environmental Health *CDC Summer Graduate Environmental Health (GEH) Internship
Interns are assigned to programs throughout National Center for Environmental Health and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) to work on environmental health projects.
Master’s degree students (currently enrolled, fulltime) interests or studies applicable to environmental health 10 Weeks No Late January
Ethics *CDC-Tuskegee University Public Health Ethics
Interns work with mentors from across the agency to develop projects applying public health ethics principles. They also gain opportunities to become familiar with the CDC workplace and observe the principles of public health ethics in practice on a daily basis.
Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Tuskegee University TBD TBD Contact: Jo A. Valentine, MSW
Associate Director, Office of Health Equity
Division of STD Prevention, NCHHSTP, CDC
jxv2@cdc.gov
404.639-8366
General Interest *Emory Rollins Earn and Learn (REAL) Program
Participants in this program are assigned to centers and offices across CDC to gain real-world public health experience.
Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health students (MPH, MSPH) 166.5 Hrs. each semester No August 1 – September 30 for the Fall Semester, and November 1 – mid-February for the Spring Semester
General Interest HACU National Internship Program (HNIP)
Interns in this program are assigned to government and corporate sector organizations to explore challenging careers in business, research, technology, and management.
Apply to host an HNIP intern
Enrollment in a degree-seeking (BA/BS, Masters, JD, MD, or Ph.D.) 10-15 Weeks TBD TBD
Infectious Diseases James A Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Fellowship
Fellows are assigned to CDC, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine, Nursing, or Public Health, or the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Opportunities where they focus on infectious disease and epidemiology projects.
Apply to host a Ferguson fellow.
Graduate students in medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, and public health master’s-level graduate programs (target students of underrepresented populations) 9 Weeks Summer No Late January to Early February
Environmental Health 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.
Apply to host an NEPHIP intern.
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. 8-10 weeks No December
Emergency Response Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship (PHEM)
Fellows gain an understanding of the structure of a public health emergency management program and an understanding of how to manage and operate a public health Emergency Operations Center during steady state and in a response.
Master’s (MPH), doctorate (MD or PhD), or equivalent in public health or a related field
(only international students selected by their Ministry of Health may apply)
4 Months No TBD
Health Education/Communication SOPHE/ATSDR Student Fellowship in Environmental Health Promotion or Emergency Preparedness
Fellows conduct research or practice-based projects in environmental health, health promotion, or environmental justice from the perspective of health education.
Master’s or doctoral 1 Year Paid TBD TBD
Environmental Health *Summer Program in Environmental Health (SUPEH)
Interns are assigned to programs throughout National Center for Environmental Health and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) to work on environmental health projects.
Eligibility limited to rising junior and senior undergraduates and graduate students with environmental health major in a program accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council 10 Weeks Summer No January

*Denotes opportunities that are only eligible to be hosted at CDC. Interested CDC programs should contact fellowships@cdc.gov.

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Doctoral Students

Topic Description for Host Sites Education Length Does Host Program Pay? Application Period
Laboratory *Biochemical Markers
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.
Undergraduate and graduate students majoring in applied sciences. 10 Weeks No TBD
Pharmacy *CDC Pharmacy Student Experiential Program
Fellows are assigned to programs across CDC, specifically, Drug Services, Regulatory Affairs, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Division of Bacterial Diseases-Respiratory Diseases, Division of Emergency Operations to address a wide variety of public health issues.
Pharmacy students (Pharmacy-PY4) 4-6 Weeks No The annual deadline for all applications is January 1st.
Infectious Diseases James A Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Fellowship
Fellows are assigned to CDC, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine, Nursing, or Public Health, or the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Opportunities where they focus on infectious disease and epidemiology projects.
Apply to host a Ferguson fellow.
Graduate students in medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, and public health master’s-level graduate programs (target students of underrepresented populations) 9 Weeks Summer No Late January to Early February
Emergency Response Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship (PHEM)
Fellows gain an understanding of the structure of a public health emergency management program and an understanding of how to manage and operate a public health Emergency Operations Center during steady state and in a response.
Master’s (MPH), doctorate (MD or PhD), or equivalent in public health or a related field
(only international students selected by their Ministry of Health may apply)
4 Months No TBD
Public Health Law Public Health Law Internships and Externships
Students are assigned to CDC’s Public Health Law Program to explore the critical role of public health lawyers and analysts who work to advance the use of laws as a public health tool.
2nd Year & 3rd Year Students; Public Health Law 9-14 Weeks No Summer: January 31 (Deadline)
Fall: April 30(Deadline)
Spring: November 1(Deadline)
Public Health Law Tribal Public Health Law Internships and Externships
Students explore the critical role of public health lawyers and analysts who work to advance the use of laws as a public health tool.
2nd Year & 3rd Year Students; Tribal Public Health Law 9-14 Weeks No Summer: January 31 (Deadline)
Fall: April 30(Deadline)
Spring: November 1(Deadline)

*Denotes opportunities that are only eligible to be hosted at CDC. Interested CDC programs should contact fellowships@cdc.gov.

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Medical Students and Residents (MD/DO, DVM/VMD, DDS/DMD, etc.)

Topic Description for Host Sites Education Length Does Host Program Pay? Application Period
Global Health *CDC-Hubert Global Health Fellowship
Fellows participate in applied epidemiology projects in CDC international field offices.
3rd and 4th Year medical and veterinary students 6-12 Weeks No December to January
Pharmacy *CDC Pharmacy Student Experiential Program
Fellows are assigned to programs across CDC, specifically, Drug Services, Regulatory Affairs, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Division of Bacterial Diseases-Respiratory Diseases, Division of Emergency Operations to address a wide variety of public health issues.
Pharmacy students (Pharmacy-PY4) 4-6 Weeks No The annual deadline for all applications is January 1st.
Epidemiology *Epidemiology Elective Programs for Senior Medical and Veterinary Students
Participants in this program are assigned to programs across CDC.
4th Year medical and veterinary students 6-8 Weeks No January to May
General Interest HACU National Internship Program (HNIP)
Interns in this program are assigned to government and corporate sector organizations to explore challenging careers in business, research, technology, and management.
Apply to host an HNIP intern
Enrollment in a degree-seeking (BA/BS, Masters, JD, MD, or Ph.D.) 10-15 Weeks TBD TBD
Infectious Diseases James A Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Fellowship
Fellows are assigned to CDC, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine, Nursing, or Public Health, or the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Opportunities where they focus on infectious disease and epidemiology projects.
Apply to host a Ferguson fellow.
Graduate students in medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, and public health master’s-level graduate programs (target students of underrepresented populations) 9 Weeks Summer No Late January to Early February
Occupational Health *Occupational Medicine Rotation
Interns are assigned to offices in CDC NIOSH in Cincinnati to conduct on-site investigations, medical evaluations, and exposure assessments, to evaluate workplace health hazards.
Medical residents of any specialty 4 weeks No Rolling Admission

*Denotes opportunities that are only eligible to be hosted at CDC. Interested CDC programs should contact fellowships@cdc.gov.

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