OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT

Contact :

CDPH Internship Program

CDPHInternships@cdph.ca.gov

Volunteer Placements

The California Department of Public Health’s Volunteer Program supports students and working professionals seeking experience in the field of public health. Volunteer placements are offered in three cycles (spring, summer, and fall) with placement availability determined by the needs of the Department. Volunteer placements are matched to align with the intern’s academic and professional goals.

To receive future notifications about upcoming volunteer cycles, please sign up for the CDPH Internship Program Interest Form to be added to the mailing list.

Eligibility

Open to college students at all grade levels (must be at least 18 years old)
Open to graduate and post-graduate students
Open to non-student adults seeking experience in a new field
Reside in California throughout the duration of the volunteer experience

Duration

The duration of each volunteer placement varies depending on the candidate's availability and needs of the host, however, a typical placement lasts about 3 to 4 months. Volunteers may work up to 40 hours per week, but generally work between 12 to 20 hours weekly.

The timeline of each volunteer cycle aligns with the paid internship programs in the spring and fall, with an additional volunteer cycle during the summer. The duration of each volunteer placement is not fixed, as it is determined through discussions with the potential host during the interview process. All volunteer work must take place during regular CDPH hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How to Apply

Step 1

Submit a resume and cover letter explaining your passion for public health to CDPHInternships@cdph.ca.gov.

Note: Please be sure that both application documents are included as attachments and are in Word or PDF format with your name in the file name. (Example: Jane_Doe_Resume.pdf).

Step 2

Once you email your resume and cover letter, the CDPH Internship Team will provide you with a link to access the Volunteer Supplemental Application form. Please fill out all required fields and submit the form before the application deadline for your chosen volunteer recruitment cycle.

Note: A complete application packet includes 1) an email with a cover letter and resume attached sent to CDPHInternships@cdph.ca.gov and 2) a completed Volunteer Supplemental Application form submitted by 5 p.m. (PST) on the cycle's recruitment closing date.

Volunteer Cycle	Applications Close
Fall	June 15 at 5 p.m. Submit application packet by June 15 at 5 p.m. (PST) to be considered for the Fall Volunteer Talent Pool.
Spring	October 15 at 5 p.m. Submit application packet by October 15 at 5 p.m. (PST) to be considered for the Spring Volunteer Talent Pool.
Summer	March 15 at 5 p.m. Submit application packet by March 15 at 5 p.m. (PST) to be considered for the Summer Volunteer Talent Pool.