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
No enrollment or residency requirements
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
To apply for a volunteer position, candidates submit a current resume and a cover letter explaining their passion for public health, along with their top three CDPH programs of interest, to CDPHInternships@cdph.ca.gov.
An overview of current CDPH programs may be found on the CDPH homepage.
Fall
| June 15
Submit application packet by June 15 to be considered for the Fall Volunteer Talent Pool.
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Spring
| October 15
Submit application packet by October 15 to be considered for the Spring Volunteer Talent Pool.
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Summer
| March 15
Submit application packet by March 15 to be considered for the Summer Volunteer Talent Pool.
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