HCC Summer Internship Program

Community college and four-year college students from under-resourced communities, especially first-generation students, who want paid health sector experience and a network. Any major is welcome, and there is no requirement to be pre-med.

• Undergraduate student at a four-year college or community college, or a recent graduate up to three years out
• Most interns are juniors and seniors, but sophomores and freshmen with a clear commitment are considered
• Students from all academic disciplines
• International students must be legally authorized to work in the US
• DACA students and applicants are eligible
• Graduate students are not eligible, except for certain New England programs
• Priority goes to applicants located in the communities HCC serves
• Must be able to commit to 10 consecutive weeks full time with no summer school, MCAT prep, or other job

• 10 consecutive weeks full time, typically starting late May or June
• A paid placement at a host health organization
• A dedicated preceptor through HCC's apprenticeship model
• Career exploration and professional skills workshops including Excel, project management, and business writing
• Health professions school preparation workshops with public health and medical school partners
• Access to an alumni network of more than 5,800 people and over 300 employer and graduate school partners
• A separate Community Health Leaders Program option, eight weeks part time with a $2,000 educational stipend

• Online application with essay responses
• Resume or CV
• Interview with HCC staff
• Second interview with the potential host organization
• Final placement based on mutual fit

• Register for an HCC informational webinar before you apply. They walk through the process and it signals genuine interest.
• There are two interviews, not one. Prepare separately for the HCC fit interview and for the host organization interview about the actual work.
• Pick focus areas honestly. Placements span public health, health care delivery, behavioral health, policy, data analysis, quality improvement, and communications, and being specific improves your match.
• Say directly if you are first-generation or from an under-resourced community. That is central to who HCC exists to serve.
• Clear your summer completely before applying. No breaks, no summer school, and no second job are allowed during the 10 weeks.

HCC is a national nonprofit founded in 1990. Regions include Greater Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Denver, Tennessee, North Carolina, Coachella Valley, Northern California, Central Valley, Central Coast, Southern California, New England, New York and New Jersey, and Washington DC, Baltimore, and Virginia. In-person, remote, and hybrid placements are available.