OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT

Volunteer Internships

The California Department of Public Health’s Volunteer Internship Program supports students and working professionals seeking experience in the field of public health. Volunteer internships are offered in three cycles with placement availability determined by the needs of the Department. Internship placements are matched to align with the intern’s academic and professional goals

Eligibility

Open to college students at all grade levels (must be at least 18 years old)
Open to graduate and post-graduate students
Open to non-student adults seeking experience in a new field
No enrollment or residency requirements

Duration

Volunteer internships typically have a duration of 3 to 4 months, working 12 to 20 hours per week. Generally, the timeline of the volunteer internship cycle aligns with the paid internship program, with an additional cycle during the summer. The duration of each volunteer internship is not fixed, as it is determined through discussions with the potential host during the interview process. All volunteer work must take place during regular CDPH hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How to Apply

To apply for a volunteer position, candidates submit a current resume and a cover letter explaining their passion for public health, along with their top three CDPH programs of interest, to CDPHInternships@cdph.ca.gov. An overview of the different CDPH programs may be found on the CDPH homepage.