Epi Scholars Program, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygeine

Since 2007, the Epi Scholars Program has provided rigorous training in applied epidemiology to stellar graduate epidemiology students at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

The Epi Scholars program is committed to expanding the research capacities of urban health departments to improve population health, while providing a training ground for students to put theory and research into action and develop as future public health leaders.

The program offers graduate epidemiology & biostatistics students:

• An allowance to defray expenses for a full-time 10-12 week summer internship at participating local health departments
• Mentoring by some of the nation’s leading epidemiologists and researchers
• Enhanced academic opportunities and seminars in methods, theory, and public health practice
• Practical experience in statistical analysis using programs such as SAS®, SPSS®, STATA®, or SUDAAN®
• Opportunities to present project findings to senior epidemiologists and their peers
• Possibility of working on a publishable report/ thesis support
• Opportunities to interact and collaborate with Epi Scholars and leading public health professionals at the NYC DOHMH

Epi Scholars program alumni have gone on to accomplish great things: present at significant public health conferences, pursue doctoral degrees and gain employment at the local and federal levels of government.

• Epi Scholars is currently open to graduate-level epidemiology and biostatistics students (defined as having completed the equivalent of an academic year of graduate courses or more)
• The Epi Scholars program is accepting applications for the Summer 2026 session from January 15 – February 15, 2026.
• This is a full-time work opportunity. Selected interns are expected to be available for 35 hours per week during the regular workday of the program (e.g. 9-5 pm EST)m for approximately 10 – 12 weeks.

For consideration, applications must be submitted in full by the application deadline. A complete application includes:

1. An electronic application
2. A current cv/resume
3. A personal statement/ essay
4. A school transcript from your current institution (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
5. One letter of recommendation and recommendation form

For additional information:

• We expect the position to be completed in-person, with an opportunity for a hybrid schedule, and will update the selected candidates, if the circumstances change.
• Please visit the Epi Scholars website or you may reach out to us at epischolars [at] health [dot] nyc [dot] gov

Please note, since 1960, the NYC DOHMH has also hosted students through the HRTP: A Public Health Internship Program. We will also be accepting applications for our 2026 Summer HRTP public health internship program from January 15 – February 15, 2026.

For applications and information about HRTP, please visit our website: www.nyc.gov/health/hrtp. Students may apply to both HRTP and Epi Scholars. Questions? Email us at hrtp [at] health [dot] nyc [dot] gov.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

HRTP is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all students, scholars, interns, and volunteers are valued and respected. HRTP is committed to modeling diversity and inclusion, in line with the agency’s mission.

We look forward to another great year of Epi Scholars and welcome any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions and concerns.