IPHA Internship / Public Health Practicum Application

IPHA Internship / Public Health Practicum Application - Fall 2026
Each year, the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) offers opportunities for students pursuing a career in public health to participate in course-credit, unpaid IPHA internships. Undergraduate and graduate students are able to gain valuable experience while acquiring practical work skills across an array of public health issue areas.

IPHA interns receive hands-on experience and insight into intersection of policy, program, and practice in public health.

Guidelines for IPHA Internships
- Internships shall generally be virtual but may be in-person if mutually agreed upon by the prospective intern and IPHA.
- IPHA shall strive to provide an educational experience which is a benefit for the intern.
- Interns do not displace regular staff and work under close supervision.
- Interns are not entitled to employment at the conclusion of the educational learning experience period and are free to accept employment elsewhere in the same or other fields.
- Service as an intern is not creditable to receive benefits or leave accrual.
- IPHA and the intern’s university/college must have a current affiliation agreement on file prior to the beginning of the internship.
- Internships will be unpaid, but interns may earn academic credits, as permitted by their university/college and IPHA.
Confirmation of Eligibility

To be considered as an intern with IPHA, students must meet the following requirements:
1. Attend an undergraduate or graduate academic program in a US college or university. Note, preference will be given to students attending Illinois-based schools.
2. Be a currrently enrolled student at the time the application is submitted and have completed at least one full year of academic training with coursework in a public health, health, or health care focus area.
3. Maintain enrollment during the internship period.
4. Participate in all meetings and trainings recommended by the intership or practicum preceptor.
I confirm I meet the eligibility requirements as described above.*

YesNo

Before proceeding with your internship/public health practicum application, you should:
- Review the entire application
- Gather the folliwng documents:
  - Resume or CV
  - Unofficial Acadmic Transcript
- Consider drafting responses to the essay questions in WORD so you can edit and organize your responses.
Before submitting, please check your application carefully to ensure you're following directions, haven't made spelling mistakes and have completed all sections. Don't forget to double-check your email address for accuracy.

Student Contact Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Preferred Name, if different from above.
Email (Please use college/university email. This is the email address we will use to contact you.)*
example@example.com
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Education Information
Name of University/College*
Name of Degree Program (i.e., Environmental Health and Sustainability Bachelor's Degree or Master of Public Health, Environmental Health)*
Student Status (as of Fall 2026)*

UndergraduateGraduate StudentPost-graduate Student (PhD student or candidate, DrPH, DNP, etc)
Are you using this internship to meet requirements of your academic program? Is so, please list requirements (number of hours, duration, etc.)*
Anticipated graduation month and year (xx/20## format)*
Name of academic advisor or internship program coordinator*
Email address of your academic advisory or internship program coordinator*
When would you be able to start an internship if selected (August 1, 2026 - December 15, 2026)? If you cannot start until after December, please apply for a spring internship when that application opens on July 15. *

MonthDayYear
Date
If selected to participate in an IPHA internship, please share any special accommodations necessary to fulfill the requirements of the internship. Enter N/A if none.*

Essay Questions
Describe what you hope to gain from this experience and why you would be a good addition to this program.*
Describe how your personal and professional background, experiences, and interests align with the Illinois Public Health Association's mission and goals.*
What are your career goals?*
IPHA is committed to enhancing diversity in the public health workforce. By enhancing diversity, public health becomes open to new perspectives on structural Determinants of Health that influence health risk, enrich the lives of future public health professionals, and reduce health disparities.
Please describe how your personal background, lived experiences, and areas of interest would contribute to IPHA's commitment to cultivating a more diverse public health workforce and addressing disparities in our communities.*

Required Documents
Resume. Upload a current resume.*

Cancelof
Academic Transcript. Upload a transcript (an unofficial transcript is acceptable).*

Cancelof
How did you hear about the IPHA internship program? (Please check all that apply)*

IPHA website or member communicationCollege or UniversityIPHA Student Section meeting or announcementPresentation by IPHA staffClassmate, friend, or former internOther
If you answered other above, please specify.

IPHA Internship / Public Health Practicum Application - Fall 2026

Student Contact Information

Education Information

Essay Questions

IPHA is committed to enhancing diversity in the public health workforce. By enhancing diversity, public health becomes open to new perspectives on structural Determinants of Health that influence health risk, enrich the lives of future public health professionals, and reduce health disparities.

Required Documents

Demographic Information

Signature and Submission