Lewis/Ferguson Internships and Fellowships
2023 OHE Internship/Fellowship Opportunities
Lewis Scholars program participants share projects at the 2023 CDC Student Showcase.
CDC’s Office of Health Equity (OHE) supports the CDC John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholars (Lewis Scholars) Program and the Dr. James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases (Ferguson) Graduate Fellowship. These programs provide internship and fellowship opportunities for qualified undergraduate and graduate students to gain meaningful experiences in public health settings.
OHE is pleased to partner with the following institutions to deliver the Lewis Scholars Program:
- Columbia University
- Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Morehouse College
- Southern Plains Tribal Health Board
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Michigan
- University of Pittsburgh
The Lewis Scholars Program introduces undergraduate students to topics in minority health and health equity and supports their career development. Each institution delivers a program with specific focus areas within public health and minority health. Some focus areas include maternal and child health, occupational health, social determinants of health, elimination of health disparities, environmental justice, and climate and health, and developmental disabilities.
OHE is pleased to partner with Kennedy Krieger Institute to deliver the Ferguson Fellowship, with additional support from CDC’s Rapid Response Research and Surveillance Branch, Division of Infectious Disease Readiness and Innovation, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID).
Current Lewis Scholars and Ferguson Fellowship Programs
The following institutions are award recipients of OHE’s Lewis Scholars and Ferguson Fellowship Programs. Read the descriptions below and visit the programs’ websites to learn more and apply. Applications close January 31, 2024.
Program Website:
Program Website:
Application opens:
Application opens:
November 1, 2023
November 1, 2023
Application closes:
Application closes:
January 31, 2024
January 31, 2024
Program Dates:
Program Dates:
May 20, 2024 – August 2, 2024
May 20, 2024 – August 2, 2024
Contact:
Contact:
Description:
Description:
The Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) is a rigorous 9-week internship experience that exposes and attracts undergraduate students from historically excluded and socially disadvantaged populations to the field of public health. CUIMC is uniquely positioned to offer SPHSP, as the four schools comprising the academic medical center (Mailman School of Public Health, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Dental Medicine, and School of Nursing) have joined forces to develop and implement this dynamic program. The program includes rigorous, exciting public health coursework at the fourth ranked school of public health in the nation; hands-on experiences in public health and immersion in a diverse economically disadvantaged urban environment; seminars and lectures from public health leaders; and close supervision and mentorship by experienced faculty members and public health professionals. The SPHSP is committed to ensuring students’ exposure to the breadth and importance of public health as a career option.
The Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) is a rigorous 9-week internship experience that exposes and attracts undergraduate students from historically excluded and socially disadvantaged populations to the field of public health. CUIMC is uniquely positioned to offer SPHSP, as the four schools comprising the academic medical center (Mailman School of Public Health, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Dental Medicine, and School of Nursing) have joined forces to develop and implement this dynamic program. The program includes rigorous, exciting public health coursework at the fourth ranked school of public health in the nation; hands-on experiences in public health and immersion in a diverse economically disadvantaged urban environment; seminars and lectures from public health leaders; and close supervision and mentorship by experienced faculty members and public health professionals. The SPHSP is committed to ensuring students’ exposure to the breadth and importance of public health as a career option.
Program Website:
Program Website:
Application opens:
Application opens:
TBD
TBD
Application closes:
Application closes:
January 31, 2024
January 31, 2024
Program Dates:
Program Dates:
May 27, 2024 – July 31, 2024
May 27, 2024 – July 31, 2024
Contact:
Contact:
Description:
Description:
The MCHC/RISE-UP Program provides opportunities for enhanced public health leadership training in maternal and child health, focusing on social determinants of health, elimination of health disparities, and developmental disabilities. Grant funding for this program was awarded to Kennedy Krieger Institute to develop a national consortium of institutions and universities that provides undergraduate scholars with three public health leadership experiences: (1) clinical, (2) research, and (3) community engagement and advocacy. The consortium includes:
- Kennedy Krieger Institute partnering with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- The University of South Dakota partnering with Tribal Serving Institutions
- The University of California, Davis (UC-Davis) MIND Institute partnering with UC-Davis Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Aaniiih Nakoda College/Fort Belknap Community
MCHC/RISE-UP’s ultimate goal is to promote a more equitable health system by introducing highly qualified diverse undergraduate and recent baccalaureate degree scholars (undergraduate juniors, seniors, and scholars who received their baccalaureate degree within 12 months of MCHC/RISE-UP program orientation), who have at least a 2.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale, to the field of public health. All scholars interested in maternal and child health, reducing health disparities, and promoting social justice, especially scholars from underrepresented populations in the field of public health, are strongly encouraged to apply.
The MCHC/RISE-UP Program provides opportunities for enhanced public health leadership training in maternal and child health, focusing on social determinants of health, elimination of health disparities, and developmental disabilities. Grant funding for this program was awarded to Kennedy Krieger Institute to develop a national consortium of institutions and universities that provides undergraduate scholars with three public health leadership experiences: (1) clinical, (2) research, and (3) community engagement and advocacy. The consortium includes:
- Kennedy Krieger Institute partnering with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- The University of South Dakota partnering with Tribal Serving Institutions
- The University of California, Davis (UC-Davis) MIND Institute partnering with UC-Davis Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Aaniiih Nakoda College/Fort Belknap Community
MCHC/RISE-UP’s ultimate goal is to promote a more equitable health system by introducing highly qualified diverse undergraduate and recent baccalaureate degree scholars (undergraduate juniors, seniors, and scholars who received their baccalaureate degree within 12 months of MCHC/RISE-UP program orientation), who have at least a 2.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale, to the field of public health. All scholars interested in maternal and child health, reducing health disparities, and promoting social justice, especially scholars from underrepresented populations in the field of public health, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Kennedy Krieger Institute Graduate and Post-Graduate Program
Program Website:
Program Website:
Application opens:
Application opens:
October 9, 2023
October 9, 2023
Application closes:
Application closes:
6-month Fellowship: November 28, 2023; 12-month & Summer Fellowship: January 31, 2024
6-month Fellowship: November 28, 2023; 12-month & Summer Fellowship: January 31, 2024
Program Dates:
Program Dates:
6-month Fellowship: February 3, 2024 – August 6, 2024; Summer Fellowship: May 27, 2024 – August 6, 2024; 12-month Fellowship: May 27, 2024 – May 23, 2025
6-month Fellowship: February 3, 2024 – August 6, 2024; Summer Fellowship: May 27, 2024 – August 6, 2024; 12-month Fellowship: May 27, 2024 – May 23, 2025
Contact:
Contact:
Description:
Description:
The Dr. James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement (Ferguson RISE) Fellowship Program supports public health research and professional development in infectious diseases and health disparities, focusing on increasing knowledge and interest in public health research careers among students from underrepresented populations. The Ferguson RISE Fellowship program includes a full-time summer (Labor Day through the first week in August), 6-month part-time or full-time, and 12-month full-time public health research fellowship experiences. Fellows may also gain clinical experience and develop professional leadership skills in the public health field. Ferguson RISE Fellowship partnering institutions include CDC, Howard University, Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morgan State University, and Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.
The Dr. James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement (Ferguson RISE) Fellowship Program supports public health research and professional development in infectious diseases and health disparities, focusing on increasing knowledge and interest in public health research careers among students from underrepresented populations. The Ferguson RISE Fellowship program includes a full-time summer (Labor Day through the first week in August), 6-month part-time or full-time, and 12-month full-time public health research fellowship experiences. Fellows may also gain clinical experience and develop professional leadership skills in the public health field. Ferguson RISE Fellowship partnering institutions include CDC, Howard University, Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morgan State University, and Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.
Program Website:
Program Website:
Application opens:
Application opens:
November 1, 2023
November 1, 2023
Application closes:
Application closes:
January 31, 2024
January 31, 2024
Program Dates:
Program Dates:
May 20, 2024 – August 1, 2024
May 20, 2024 – August 1, 2024
Contact:
Contact:
Description:
Description:
The Lewis Scholars’ Imhotep Project is an 11-week summer internship program designed to increase the knowledge and skills of underrepresented minority students in biostatistics, epidemiology, and occupational safety and health. The program begins with two weeks of intense educational training in public health courses such as Public Health & Health Disparities, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Scientific Writing. The purpose of this training is to equip interns with the academic information necessary to complete the program. During the following nine weeks, interns are paired in a one-on-one mentored relationship with experts at CDC, academic institutions, local and state agencies, or community-based organizations to complete a public health research project. In addition, interns participate in a variety of seminars, workshops, educational initiatives and are required to complete 16 hours of community service. Interns will culminate their experience by giving an oral poster presentation to their peers, mentors and public health professionals and develop a research manuscript suitable for publication in a scientific journal. Interns will receive a stipend, lodging on the campus of Morehouse College, course credit and travel expenses to and from their city of origin.
The Lewis Scholars’ Imhotep Project is an 11-week summer internship program designed to increase the knowledge and skills of underrepresented minority students in biostatistics, epidemiology, and occupational safety and health. The program begins with two weeks of intense educational training in public health courses such as Public Health & Health Disparities, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Scientific Writing. The purpose of this training is to equip interns with the academic information necessary to complete the program. During the following nine weeks, interns are paired in a one-on-one mentored relationship with experts at CDC, academic institutions, local and state agencies, or community-based organizations to complete a public health research project. In addition, interns participate in a variety of seminars, workshops, educational initiatives and are required to complete 16 hours of community service. Interns will culminate their experience by giving an oral poster presentation to their peers, mentors and public health professionals and develop a research manuscript suitable for publication in a scientific journal. Interns will receive a stipend, lodging on the campus of Morehouse College, course credit and travel expenses to and from their city of origin.
Program Website:
Program Website:
Application opens:
Application opens:
October 1, 2023
October 1, 2023
Application closes:
Application closes:
January 31, 2024
January 31, 2024
Program Dates:
Program Dates:
May 20, 2024 – July 12, 2024
May 20, 2024 – July 12, 2024
Contact:
Contact:
Description:
Description:
The Southern Plains Tribal Health Board’s (SPTHB) Tribal Health Experiential Student Internship Seminar program (THESIS) is an 8-week paid internship program. The program focuses on engaging Native American serving organizations and developing a project closely related to Native American health. This program believes that early exposure to the public health field can promote a passion and trajectory towards future career pathways for underrepresented minorities in hopes of creating a diverse public health workforce. Interns will be immersed in example-based learning, mentored internship projects, and career development through asynchronous and synchronous seminars, webinars, and hands-on trainings to fortify and build their skills and capacities to not only enter the public health workforce but seek continuing education in public health or related fields.
The Southern Plains Tribal Health Board’s (SPTHB) Tribal Health Experiential Student Internship Seminar program (THESIS) is an 8-week paid internship program. The program focuses on engaging Native American serving organizations and developing a project closely related to Native American health. This program believes that early exposure to the public health field can promote a passion and trajectory towards future career pathways for underrepresented minorities in hopes of creating a diverse public health workforce. Interns will be immersed in example-based learning, mentored internship projects, and career development through asynchronous and synchronous seminars, webinars, and hands-on trainings to fortify and build their skills and capacities to not only enter the public health workforce but seek continuing education in public health or related fields.
Program Website:
Program Website:
Application opens:
Application opens:
November 1, 2023
November 1, 2023
Application closes:
Application closes:
January 31, 2024
January 31, 2024
Program Dates:
Program Dates:
May 20, 2024 – August 1, 2024
May 20, 2024 – August 1, 2024
Contact:
Contact:
Description:
Description:
The University of Michigan Future Public Health Leaders Program (Michigan FPHLP) is a residential summer program. Through field placements, skill building workshops and mentorship, Michigan FPHLP provides students with opportunities for growth, learning and awareness in the field of public health. The ultimate goal of the program is to increase the diversity of the public health workforce and the people committed to reducing health disparities. Michigan FPHLP students will be housed on the University of Michigan’s campus for 10 weeks to dive deep into the field of public health. Students will participate in curriculum days at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and engage with public health professionals through their field placements.
The University of Michigan Future Public Health Leaders Program (Michigan FPHLP) is a residential summer program. Through field placements, skill building workshops and mentorship, Michigan FPHLP provides students with opportunities for growth, learning and awareness in the field of public health. The ultimate goal of the program is to increase the diversity of the public health workforce and the people committed to reducing health disparities. Michigan FPHLP students will be housed on the University of Michigan’s campus for 10 weeks to dive deep into the field of public health. Students will participate in curriculum days at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and engage with public health professionals through their field placements.
Program Website:
Program Website:
Application opens:
Application opens:
November 1, 2023
November 1, 2023
Application closes:
Application closes:
January 31, 2024
January 31, 2024
Program Dates:
Program Dates:
June 10, 2024 – August 1, 2024
June 10, 2024 – August 1, 2024
Contact:
Contact:
Description:
Description:
The Pitt Public Health Undergraduate Scholars Program (PHUSP) is an 8-week residential program designed to encourage historically underserved college students to consider careers in public health. The program focuses on maternal and child health, environmental justice, and climate and health. PHUSP offers internship placements, classroom instruction, group activities and mentorship to provide students with opportunities for growth, education and awareness of the role public health professionals play in supporting safe and healthy communities. The program’s goal is to advance health equity by increasing public health workforce diversity.
The Pitt Public Health Undergraduate Scholars Program (PHUSP) is an 8-week residential program designed to encourage historically underserved college students to consider careers in public health. The program focuses on maternal and child health, environmental justice, and climate and health. PHUSP offers internship placements, classroom instruction, group activities and mentorship to provide students with opportunities for growth, education and awareness of the role public health professionals play in supporting safe and healthy communities. The program’s goal is to advance health equity by increasing public health workforce diversity.
Program Website:
Program Website:
Application opens:
Application opens:
November 1, 2023
November 1, 2023
Application closes:
Application closes:
January 31, 2024
January 31, 2024
Program Dates:
Program Dates:
June 24, 2024 – August 17, 2024
June 24, 2024 – August 17, 2024
Contact:
Contact:
Description:
Description:
The UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program provides undergraduate students from across the country the opportunity to explore the field of public health through hands-on training, structured workshops, group activities volunteering events, mentorship, and leadership and professional development. We recognize public health happens outside of the classroom. To promote experiential learning, our program works with community-based organizations, health systems, government agencies, and others to offer scholars the unique opportunity to “learn by doing” public health in a large, urban city. Through internship experiences that focus on health equity, scholars work to advance the health of underserved populations by learning about the communities our partners serve, engaging with community members, and exploring the Los Angeles landscape while commuting on public transportation. To supplement their field work, scholars attend workshops, develop leadership and professional skills, and receive mentoring from graduate students and faculty at the Fielding School of Public Health. Our goal is for scholars to expand their life skills, adopt a growth mindset, and prepare to navigate an every-changing world and workforce as resilient public health minded professionals invested in creating healthy futures for all.
The UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program provides undergraduate students from across the country the opportunity to explore the field of public health through hands-on training, structured workshops, group activities volunteering events, mentorship, and leadership and professional development. We recognize public health happens outside of the classroom. To promote experiential learning, our program works with community-based organizations, health systems, government agencies, and others to offer scholars the unique opportunity to “learn by doing” public health in a large, urban city. Through internship experiences that focus on health equity, scholars work to advance the health of underserved populations by learning about the communities our partners serve, engaging with community members, and exploring the Los Angeles landscape while commuting on public transportation. To supplement their field work, scholars attend workshops, develop leadership and professional skills, and receive mentoring from graduate students and faculty at the Fielding School of Public Health. Our goal is for scholars to expand their life skills, adopt a growth mindset, and prepare to navigate an every-changing world and workforce as resilient public health minded professionals invested in creating healthy futures for all.