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:

Jane Doe - CV
John Smith - Cover Letter

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

Last updated May 14, 2025

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Health Policy Leadership Program 2025-2026

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 we enter a new era of public health challenges and evolving federal and state policies, the need to strengthen our foundational public health infrastructure has never been more critical. 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 while mastering the fundamental principles that guide effective public health practice.

In an era of rapid technological advancement, policy shifts, and emerging health threats, returning to the core principles of public health provides the stability and clarity needed to navigate complex challenges. The changing landscape of federal and state health policy requires leaders who can adapt while maintaining focus on evidence-based practices, community engagement, and health equity. This cohort will explore how timeless public health principles apply to contemporary challenges, from pandemic preparedness to addressing social determinants of health in an increasingly digital world.

HEALTH POLICY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (HPLP)

The San Joaquin Valley faces unique challenges in the current public health landscape. With shifting federal priorities, evolving state mandates, and the ongoing need to address health disparities, local leaders must be equipped with both foundational knowledge and adaptive skills. The "Back to Basics" cohort recognizes that effective public health practice requires a solid grounding in epidemiology, health promotion, policy development, and community partnership – principles that remain constant even as the context evolves.

The HPLP 2025-2026: Back to Basics: Fundamental Public Health in a New Era Cohort will provide comprehensive training for emerging public and nonprofit leaders. Participants will develop the skills to lead their organizations through policy transitions, build resilient public health systems, and address persistent health inequities using time-tested public health approaches adapted for modern challenges.

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

• Master core public health functions and apply them to contemporary health challenges in the Central Valley
• Navigate the evolving federal and state policy landscape while maintaining focus on community health priorities
• Build and strengthen partnerships across sectors using proven public health collaboration models
• Develop data-driven approaches to address health disparities using both traditional and emerging data sources
• Create sustainable public health programs that can adapt to policy changes while maintaining core objectives
• Communicate effectively about public health issues in an era of information overload and misinformation
• Lead organizational change that balances innovation with evidence-based public health practice
• Design and implement community health assessments that capture both traditional and emerging health concerns

APPLIED SKILLS PROJECT

HPLP participants will work in teams of 2-3 to develop, implement, and report on projects that demonstrate the application of fundamental public health principles to current challenges. Projects will focus on building or strengthening basic public health infrastructure, improving health literacy, enhancing disease surveillance systems, developing community partnerships, or addressing social determinants of health through evidence-based interventions. Past projects have included developing mobile health screening programs, creating multilingual health education campaigns, and establishing cross-sector data sharing agreements.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Health Policy Leadership Program consists of 10 sessions across 8 months in a hybrid format. Five in-person sessions (6 hours each) will provide intensive skill-building and networking opportunities, while five virtual sessions (5 hours each) will offer flexibility for working professionals. Each session, starting October 10, 2025, will combine foundational public health content with practical application to current policy challenges and emerging health issues.

If you would like to join the HPLP Back to Basics cohort, please apply via the online application (Application Link: http://bit.ly/41GAEgg) 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, social services, economic and community development agencies, educational institutions, and the full range of community-based and grassroots organizations committed to improving population health.

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.

Deadline to Apply: September 22, 2025

Click Here to Apply.

Posted August 20, 2025
Last updated August 20, 2025

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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