MCH Internship, Division of Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development
Category : Student Opportunities
The Division of Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development (DMCHWD) Internship, based in the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration, is designed to educate, engage, and support future leaders in Maternal and Child Health (MCH).
DMCHWD accepts applications from highly motivated graduate students in good standing at schools of public health and other health-related training programs in the United States.
DMCHWD Internship Application Package
Submit your complete application package to Kaitlin Bagley at KBagley [at] hrsa [dot] gov.
Statement of Interest – Address the following (500-word max):
· What do you hope to gain from this MCH-focused internship experience, and how does this internship align with your career goals?
· How have your experiences shaped your definition of diversity? What does it mean for you to have a commitment to diversity? In your opinion, what is the purpose of promoting health equity over health equality?
· Have you been involved with any of DMCHWD’s graduate or undergraduate education programs? If so, please describe your involvement.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Unofficial Transcript (most current)
Statement of Availability
· Include the months and days of the week available, total hours needed (if submitting as a university requirement), and any concurrent responsibilities.
· Include a statement confirming your understanding that you will need to travel to HRSA headquarters or a HRSA regional office 1-2 times at your own expense to complete the onboarding process for your internship.
· Example: Available January through May, 3-4 days per week, 300 total hours needed, working as a graduate research assistant 10 hours per week. If selected, I agree to travel to xxx regional office to complete the onboarding process.
Applications should be received by 11:59 P.M. on January 25.
Questions? Contact Kaitlin Bagley at KBagley [at] hrsa [dot] gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find more information about the Division of Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development?
- Visit the DMCHWD Website.
- Join the DMCHWD Email Lists for additional announcements and opportunities
What are the eligibility requirements for applicants?
- Graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time in a graduate program as verified by the student’s institution of higher learning. Masters level students are given preference due to the typical responsibilities assigned to interns.
- Post-doctoral students and undergraduate seniors are considered on a case-by-case basis. NOTE: Undergraduate seniors must be enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program as verified by the student’s institution of higher learning. Current juniors/”rising” seniors may apply for a summer internship, assuming they will enter their fourth year in the fall.
- An applicant must be a United States citizen or foreign national having in his/her possession a visa permitting permanent residence in the United States.
Is there a minimum time commitment for the internship?
Applicants who are able to commit to a 200-hour (6- to 8-week) minimum are strongly preferred. Flexibility in the internship work schedule will be accorded to accommodate concurrent academic coursework and responsibilities.
What kinds of activities will I work on as an intern?
Intern(s) selected to work with DMCHWD will have the opportunity to help shape their experience based on interests. Possible focus areas may include:
- Trainee Engagement: Develop and sustain activities that encourage networking and engagement of current and former MCH trainees.
- Emerging Issues: Report and track emerging issues COVID-19, newborn hearing screening, transition, and autism.
- Communications: Contribute to the continued implementation of DMCHWD’s communications plan.
- MCH Workgroups and Committees: Participate in cross-cutting DMCHWD and Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) efforts, including topics around workforce development, autism, and children and youth with special health needs.
Is this a paid internship experience?
DMCHWD is unable to offer any type of financial compensation for this internship experience. Students are responsible for all costs associated with the internship, including room/board, transport, and other living expenses.
Where is this internship located?
The internship is located at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857. We will also be offering a virtual option. Candidates for the virtual option will need to confirm that, if selected, they are able to travel to HRSA headquarters or a HRSA regional office 1-2 times at their own expense to complete the onboarding process.
Is the internship near the Metro? Is parking available?
It is Metro accessible on the Red Line. The Twinbrook station is a 10-15 minute walk from the building. There is street parking and garage parking available for a fee.
How soon can I apply?
Applications are accepted on a “rolling” basis. Students may apply for a winter/spring, fall, and/or summer internship at any time throughout the year. Students should apply by 11:59 P.M. on January 25 (for Summer), April 25 (for Fall), and September 25 (for Winter/Spring).
Why is the application due date so far in advance?
Although interested students may apply at any time, our application due dates for each seasonal internship are set to allow enough time for the federal onboarding process. The DMCHWD internship selection process allows time for application reviews and internship interviews, and the onboarding process includes time for HR review, security clearance, and other internship logistics. Additionally, we have adjusted our timelines to accommodate feedback from universities that students need to confirm their internships far in advance.
Can I apply for multiple seasons at the same time?
Yes. When you submit your application, you can state availability for a summer and/or fall and/or winter/spring internship. If we are unable to offer you an internship for summer, we may have availability for the fall or winter/spring. However, placement in a different season is not guaranteed and is contingent on the needs of the DMCHWD and each candidate’s application.
Can I still apply if the internship is not required by my university?
Yes. On your Statement of Availability, please note that your university does not have a time commitment, but include the amount of time you would be able to commit. NOTE: An official university representative will be required to validate your status as a student and sign the HRSA Student Volunteer Agreement even if you are not using the internship toward your program’s requirements.
Does the Maternal and Child Health Bureau offer any other internships?
HRSA offers opportunities for Public Health Interns to complete a one-semester rotation within one of HRSA’s Bureaus or Offices, including the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The public health internship at HRSA is an unpaid practicum experience for graduate and undergraduate students in good standing at schools of public health and public health programs in the United States. For more information, visit the Public Health Student Intern Program page.
