Policy & Advocacy Intern

Serve on the NYSPHA Policy & Advocacy Committee; create policy memos, policy statements and update website for public health advocacy; work directly with board members/committee to plan/participate in advocacy days/events; advocate for public health bills and funding. Generally 5-10 hours/week.

Internship Opportunities

We accept applications for interns on a rolling basis. These positions are 10-20 hours/week. A master's degree candidate is preferred but undergraduate students entering the field of public health will also be considered. These positions will work remotely with occasional in-person events. Students must be residents of NYS or enrolled in a NYS school. Special consideration is given to colleges/universities that are members of NYSPHA. Please note that NYSPHA internships are unpaid.

All interns receive a 1 year NYSPHA membership.

Update: Applications for Fall 2026 will be reviewed in August.

CEPH Competencies Addressed:

• Policy in Public Health: Contributes to development and organization of policy agendas and advocacy priorities.
• Leadership: Supports coordination of advocacy efforts and stakeholder engagement.
• Communication: Synthesizes and presents policy information for internal and external audiences.
• Systems Thinking: Understands how policy, stakeholders, and public health systems interact to influence outcomes.

Internship Benefits:

• Network with a diverse group of public health leaders
• Complimentary 1-year membership to NYSPHA
• Preference is given to students located in New York

Potential Internship Projects:

• Assist NYSPHA with logistics of planning for annual public health conference
• Assist in development of public health e-news for NYSPHA members, community and/or legislators
• Manage organization's social media channels to promote public health messaging
• Organizing advocacy day & participation in Policy & Advocacy Committee
• Plan and implement events for National Public Health Week (April)
• Write, edit, submit stories/press release/letters on affiliate activities to The Nation's Health newspaper and/or other news outlets
• Participate in committees
• Potential for grant writing

Project Duration and Scheduling Considerations:

• Available for the start of each semester. May start earlier/extend longer as necessary. Flexible schedule available, as long as student maintains good contact/communication with mentor(s).

Qualifications:

• Student must be enrolled in a public health, community health or related degree program. A minor in such programs will also be considered.
• Undergraduate students will be considered but preference will be given to students enrolled in a graduate degree program.
• Strong written and oral communication skills

To Apply:

• Fill out the NYSPHA Internship Application

Please contact us with questions about these opportunities.