Fellowships & Internships

Opportunities with CVHPI

Research Internship

The goal of the Research Internship experience is for students to learn to understand, analyze, interpret and communicate qualitative and/or quantitative data. Although interns will vary in emphasis, all should develop critical foundation skills in working with data in a scientifically sound environment. 

View more information about the Research Internship with CVHPI.

Health Policy Leadership Program (HPLP)

Since 2005, the Health Policy Leadership Program (HPLP) at Fresno State’s Central Valley Health Policy Institute has offered professional growth and development opportunities to emerging local and regional leaders as they explore key issues in health policy. 

View more information about the Health Policy Leadership Program with CVHPI. 

The Health Career Connection (HCC) Summer Internship

The Health Career Connection (HCC) Summer Internship
Content
Program provides undergraduates and recent college graduates with Practical Experience, Exposure, Mentoring, Professional Development, and Networking.

View more information about applying for the HCC Internship program.

Research Internship

 

 

The goal of the Research Internship experience is for students to learn to understand, analyze, interpret and communicate qualitative and/or quantitative data. Although interns will vary in emphasis, all should develop critical foundation skills in working with data in a scientifically sound environment. Tasks may include the following and are not limited to conducting literature reviews, data transcription and entry, manage data systems and databases, implement data analysis techniques, produce graphic information and reports, and contribute independently towards a team goal.  Internships are part-time and are based at the Central Valley Health Policy Institute.

The educational outcomes and learning objectives for interns will be to:

Learn measures and indicators within a health policy theoretical framework, most importantly those under the social determinants of health.
Learn to use and synthesize publicly available quantitative data and policy information.
Learn how to use survey platforms, conduct focus groups, code and report qualitative data.

When to Apply

We accept applications for research interns three times in a calendar year. Please apply by these deadlines.

Fall: Last Friday of July

Spring: Last Friday of November

Summer: Last Friday of April

How to Apply

We offer our Research Internship to Fresno State students and non-Fresno State students alike. Individuals who are currently an undergraduate, graduate, or seeking experience in the field of public health research are more than welcome to apply. Due to the competitive nature of the Research Internship, we are requesting all those interested to submit a CV or resume with a personal statement with no more than 750 words. To apply, please write to Dr. Alcala (ealcala@csufresno.edu)  with a CV or resume and a statement with the following items:

• Tell us about yourself. 
• How might your interests align with being a research intern with CVHPI?
• What are your short-term goals for this research position? What are your long-term goals? 
• If you are a Fresno State student, please include your most up to date GPA. 

Please make sure that all submitted documentation includes your first and last name as part of the filename. Examples:

John Smith - CV
John Smith - Personal Statement

For more information regarding the CVHPI Research Internship, please contact Dr. Alcala via email (ealcala@csufresno.edu).

Last updated August 26, 2026

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Health Policy Leadership Program 2026-2027 (Applications Open)

Since 2005, the Health Policy Leadership Program (HPLP) at Fresno State’s Central Valley Health Policy Institute has offered professional growth and development opportunities to emerging local and regional leaders. Participants of HPLP explore key issues in health policy as they connect with other emerging leaders. The vision of HPLP is to build capacity through a network of multi-sector professionals who gain valuable knowledge and leadership skills in health equity. HPLP participants can expect to engage in meaningful peer-to-peer discussions pertinent to the health of the San Joaquin Valley region.

Health policy today is being reshaped by a single, powerful question: what can we afford? Shifting federal and state priorities, changes to Medi-Cal and safety-net financing, and rising costs across healthcare, public health, and behavioral health are forcing difficult decisions at every level. Yet affordability and equity are not competing goals. Communities cannot achieve one without the other. This moment calls for leaders who can hold both in balance: stewarding limited resources wisely while keeping health equity at the center of every decision.

HEALTH POLICY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (HPLP)

The San Joaquin Valley faces these financing pressures with deep roots and real constraints. Our region experiences persistent health disparities, provider shortages, and heavy reliance on public coverage, making changes in federal and state health financing felt here first and most acutely. At the same time, the Valley’s history of community-driven problem-solving offers a foundation for leadership that turns resource realities into strategic advantage.

The HPLP 2026-2027: Equity in the Balance: Health Policy Leadership in an Age of Affordability Cohort will provide knowledge-grounding and skill-developing opportunities for emerging public and nonprofit leaders. Participants will build fluency in public health foundations, the science of epidemiology and data, and the financing of healthcare and public health. Participants will learn skills to lead their organizations and communities through policy transitions without losing sight of health equity.

APPLIED SKILLS PROJECT

HPLP participants will work in groups to develop, implement, and report on projects that address specific equity and affordability challenges for their organizations and communities. Past projects have explored priority issues such as engaging uninsured people in preventive care, engaging residents in addressing environmental concerns, building resident and neighborhood capacity for partnerships for system and policy change, and enhancing organizational capacity to address health inequalities.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Health Policy Leadership Program consists of 10 hybrid virtual/in-person sessions across 8 months. Five in-person sessions (6 hours each, lunch provided) offer intensive skill-building and networking, while five virtual sessions (5 hours each, via Zoom) provide flexibility for working professionals. Each session, starting October 9, 2026, will combine lecture materials and small group conversations about health equity, public health foundations, and health financing, and how a health equity lens is a useful tool for planning institutional and policy solutions in a resource-constrained era. It is recommended, but not necessary, that two or more people from an organization or network participate in HPLP to create impactful projects.

If you would like to join the HPLP Equity in the Balance cohort, please apply via the online application (Application Link: https://bit.ly/4d63NHl) and submit a letter of support from your supervisor authorizing the required time commitment. We welcome participants from all career paths, including public health departments, healthcare systems, behavioral health, social services, economic and community development agencies, educational institutions, and the full range of community-based and grassroots organizations who want to have an impact on this important issue.

In this program, you will develop skills and knowledge to:

• Understand health equity, the social determinants of health, and how they intersect with public health 
• Master core public health foundations and apply them to contemporary challenges in the Central Valley
• Navigate the evolving federal and state financing landscape, including Medi-Cal transformation and safety-net policy changes, while maintaining focus on community health priorities
• Use publicly available data and research methods to identify and communicate barriers to health equity
• Conduct and interpret organizational assessment and strategic planning techniques suited to resource-constrained environments
• Communicate and frame public health finance issues effectively with leaders, policymakers, and peers
• Lead through difficult times with skills in conflict resolution, community engagement, and effective communication
• Develop and present a data-driven applied project addressing an equity and affordability challenge in your community

Priority consideration will be given to teams of two or more participants from the same organization or collaborative network, as this approach has proven most effective for creating sustainable change.

Click here to apply

Deadline to Apply: September 14, 2026

View program flyer.

Last updated August 26, 2026

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Health Care Internships (Summer)

The Central Valley Health Policy Institute is working in partnership with Health Career Connection (HCC) to offer a 10-week health care internship during the summer months.

For more detailed information about HCC student internships and to apply, please visit the HCC website.

Please note: interested students should apply directly through Health Career Connection website. 

If you have any questions or interest in becoming an intern, please email Dr. Alcala at the Central Valley Health Policy Institute.

Posted August 1, 2021
Last updated Mach 6, 2025