Student Internship Opportunities in Public Health Departments

AHEC summer intern programs provide research opportunities for students and assistance to local health departments. Programs in each AHEC region are somewhat different, but each has at its core a partnership with local health departments to develop research projects and provide mentoring for health professions students interested in an intensive summer experience in community health. In addition to having an interest in community health, candidates must be Wisconsin residents or attending a college or university in Wisconsin, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and enrolled in a college program preparing for work in a health profession.

The Milwaukee Community Health Internship Program started in the summer of 2000 as a partnership between Milwaukee AHEC, the UW Medical School Clinical Campus at Sinai-Samaritan Medical Center, and city and county public health agencies in Milwaukee. Students participate in an eight-week research program, including a seminar providing them with an orientation to research and an opportunity to share their progress. Specific projects are arranged with the public health agencies. Students receive a modest stipend to help defray their living costs. Students will have an opportunity to present their research at the conclusion of their projects. Applications for the Milwaukee program are due in mid-April. A list of potential projects is usually available in mid-February. Students interested in projects in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties should apply to the Milwaukee AHAEC program.

The Statewide intern program is for students who are interested in internships in counties outside of the southeast region of the state. Wisconsin AHEC staff work with public health departments to develop suitable intern projects and identify mentors located in or near counties in which interns express an interest. For some interns, these health departments may be located near their home towns or within commuting distance of their college campuses. Limited housing options may be available in other locations. In addition to completing projects, interns participate in group orientation activities on the University of Wisconsin – Madison campus and Web-based instruction on community health principles and practice.

View Summary of 2004 Statewide CHIP projects

View Summary of 2005 Statewide CHIP projects

View application information

Last Updated May 3, 2006