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info_outline Attention: Due to the intense efforts of RIDOH in the COVID-19 response, many of our Public Health Scholar opportunities have been put on hold. Please expect delays in correspondence from the RIDOH Academic Institute. If you are interested in short-term volunteer opportunities, please complete the RIDOH COVID-19 Volunteer questionnaire below: https://health.ri.gov/covid/howtohelp/ We will contact you as opportunities arise that match your expertise. Thank you!

Public Health Scholars (Internships)

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) welcomes students looking for experiential learning opportunities with practicing public health professionals in Rhode Island. RIDOH Public Health Scholars (previously referred to as interns) are challenged to apply what they have learned at school to help create innovative solutions to public health problems. Students gain insight about the multiple disciplines contributing to public health, and work within teams to develop policies, programs, and interventions that impact many Rhode Islanders. RIDOH Public Health Scholars are an important part of the RIDOH workforce - each year, up to 100 scholars gain valuable public health experience that influences their future careers.

What you can do

RIDOH Public Health Scholars collaborate with RIDOH's public health professionals and academic faculty to develop and implement joint projects. Projects may include:

  • Development of public health messages
  • Planning, development, implementation, or evaluation of public health efforts
  • Performance of work-flow analysis
  • Design and administration of surveys and collection and analysis of datasets
  • Preparation of reports or assistance in writing program plans, measures, and strategies.

Students from all disciplines, including public health, epidemiology, pharmacy, nursing, law, marketing, communications, management, information technology or other programs of study, are encouraged to apply for RIDOH Public Health Scholar positions. Your experience as a RIDOH Scholar will provide you with an opportunity to learn about state public health departments, how public health in Rhode Island saves lives every day, and how your career may intersect with public health. Scholars work with a specific program for a semester, academic year, or season, depending upon the project, scholars’ availability, and course requirements (if applicable). Projects are designed to advance RIDOH’s public health goals and scholars work under the supervision of both RIDOH staff and academic faculty from their home institution.

Eligibility

RIDOH Public Health Scholar experiences are open to students at all levels from undergraduate through post-graduate studies.

Compensation

RIDOH Public Health Scholars can be compensated through a variety of methods depending upon the resources of the sponsoring RIDOH program. These methods include scholar experiences for academic credit, volunteer experience, or payment. RIDOH hosts a limited number of paid Scholars; however, we encourage Scholars to volunteer or request academic credit at your college or university.

Application Process

To apply for a RIDOH Public Health Scholar position, students should:

  1. Identify a Project: Review the RIDOH Public Health Scholar Project Repository to see a current list of available projects.
  2. Discuss with your advisor: If applicable, discuss this opportunity with your advisor or faculty from your home institution.
  3. Complete and submit the RIDOH Public Health Scholar application.
    • The application includes fields for you to indicate the project of interest to you (by project number) and type of compensation you seek (course credit, volunteer or paid).
  4. Optional application step: Students interested in pursuing a paid position should also complete the paperwork for RIDOH paid seasonal positions or the Rhode Island State Government Internship program.