R. Brick Lancaster Community Health Internship

This opportunity supports a student who, during a community-based internship, will conduct a health education and health promotion project that addresses a significant public or school health issue identified by a local or state public health department or community agency.

Eligibility & Application Requirements

• Enrolled as a student in a graduate or undergraduate degree program in
  • 1) public health with a concentration in behavioral sciences/health education;
  • 2) health education, health promotion, or a related program that fulfills the requirements for eligibility to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) examination.
• Completed at least 50 percent of credits needed for graduation and must be at least one semester until degree completion. This will be verified through unofficial transcripts.
• One may not re-apply for this award if ever won. However, there is no limit to nominator submissions.
• Submit a proposed project addressing an important community challenge or problem through application of goals, methods, and ethical commitments of community health promotion (minimum 1,000 words). The project outline should include:
  • The public health or program need(s) (e.g. childhood obesity, preparedness planning, infrastructure development);
  • SMART objectives;
  • Population to be addressed (e.g. seniors infants or children Latino Native American);
  • Methodology
  • Program area department or organizational unit within the health agency where the assignment will be based.
• Proposed projects may be new or ongoing and the applicant must have the primary role in conducting the project. 
• Present a copy of the degree requirements for the program of study.
• Indicate the term for the internship: Fall, Spring, or Summer.
• Curriculum vitae or resume (maximum of three pages)
• Signed agreement from a community-based practitioner to serve as preceptor for the internship for a minimum of 180 hours over a semester term.
• Letter of recommendation from a faculty member who is a National SOPHE member or chapter member. Verification that the internship site and preceptor meets college/university requirements. Note: it is preferred, but not requiredthat the faculty member also oversees the student internship. Student applicant does not need to be a National SOPHE member at the time of submission.
• If the applicant is currently employed in the same public health department or agency, the proposed project must be distinct from the applicant’s regular employment duties.

Internship Benefits

The competitive internship includes:

• A $2,000 stipend to work a semester-long, community-based internship toward the pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate health education degree.
• A one-year SOPHE student membership.
• An opportunity to present the results of the project completed during their internship at a SOPHE Annual Conference/Advocacy Summit and/or publication in one of SOPHE’s peer-reviewed journals.