Public Health Policy Internship: 2026 fall term

Public health policy interns work primarily with staff in the Center for Public Health Policy (Center) and receive hands-on experience and insight into the integration of science, policy and practice in public health. The Center aims to influence public policy at all levels of government and within the private sector, and to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Center creates innovative, analytical and informative resources that cover a wide range of public health disciplines and topics, such as climate change, health reform, chemical exposures, food safety, health equity, built environment, obesity prevention, public health infrastructure, and more.

This is an US-based internship, and candidates must be able to work in the US during the internship. APHA internships are unpaid and located in Washington, D.C.

The public health policy internship offers students the opportunity to build and strengthen professional skills particularly in research, analysis, writing, organization, and interpersonal communications. Interns conduct research and analysis to develop factsheets, issue briefs and other educational resources on a variety of issue areas including public health infrastructure, health reform, obesity prevention, health equity, and workforce. Other responsibilities may include attending relevant briefing and seminars, providing support for webinars, and assisting with committee and partner meetings.

All APHA interns also work on the Association’s Get Ready campaign, writing blog posts and working on group projects each semester.

Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for unpaid APHA internships. The internships at APHA are extremely beneficial to those seeking to acquire practical work experience in the above-mentioned areas. Candidates should be working toward a bachelors, graduate, or postgraduate degree, and all majors are welcome. Candidates should also have:

Excellent written and oral communication skills;

Research and analysis experience;

Strong interest in public health policy issues.

Applicants who meet the requirements and are interested in being considered for an internship position should upload the following information:

Cover letter;

Resume;

A writing sample;

Unofficial transcript; and

List of two references (from two individuals who know you well enough to discuss your qualifications, e.g., an employer or professor).

This is an US-based internship, and candidates must be able to work in the US during the internship. APHA internships are unpaid and located in Washington, D.C. Hybrid or remote options are available.

Vaccination Policy: Interns must adhere to APHA COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate Policy.

Deadline date: August 15, 2026 @5 pm EST (Eastern Standard Time)

EEO/AA/VETS/DISABILITY. APHA is strongly and actively committed to diversity in its workplace.