#NativeInterns
Hone your skills in Indigenous evaluation, data, research, and more
Each summer, Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) hosts full-time fellows, public health interns, and youth interns. These individuals explore public health careers by participating in projects related to Indigenous evaluation, research and surveillance, and direct public health service.
In addition to working with us, interns and fellows receive mentorship from our staff and visit partnering organizations to create their own professional network.
Being a public health intern provided many invaluable skills within the public health field, but more importantly provided an Indigenous-centered space to learn and grow. I was not held to Western standards, but nurtured in a good way and was able to enter the professional field in a safe space.
— Marie
Find the right internship for you
Become a Youth Intern
Current or recent high school graduates work with our Youth team in various activities throughout the summer. You will participate in Native youth events, outreach, and site visits. This is an engaging and fun opportunity for high schoolers to work in a professional setting while simultaneously exploring the public health field.
*Applications are not being accepted for the 2024 cohort. Please follow us on social media, subscribe to our bi-weekly resource newsletter here, and check this page for updates about the Summer 2025 Youth Internship in spring 2025.
Become a Public Health Intern
Current undergraduate and graduate students work in departments across UIHI to assist on a variety of projects and explore the different fields of public health. You will work alongside professional staff and explore a career in public health through mentorship and professional development.
Applications closed March 25, 2024.
Become a Fellow
Postgraduate and post-bacc scholars complete fellowship over one year to apply their educational and professional experiences while fostering development opportunities within the organization. Development opportunities can include growing public health skills and knowledge, professional development, etc.
Internship FAQ
Find answers to our frequently asked questions
Why do we have interns?
We have a mission to decolonize data by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people. We recognize research, evaluation, and data as Indigenous values. Mentoring the next generation of Native public health leaders is a vital part of our responsibility to build health and wellness from the strengths and solutions in our communities.
Am I eligible?
You must be 18 years of age or older and self-identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, and/or Indigenous to be eligible.
What will I be doing?
Interns and fellows explore a range of public health topics and gain experience with research, evaluation, and data. They also participate in Indigenous methodologies trainings and gain knowledge that is aligned with the UIHI approach of using Western science to complement Indigenous knowledge systems. Interns and fellows are assigned a project based on their interests and the needs of our relatives. Interns and fellows will participate in several site visits, outreach events, and conferences throughout the summer.
Is this internship paid?
Yes! Interns are paid as hourly employees. Fellows are paid as salaried employees.
Can I participate in the internship remotely?
The Summer Internship takes place on-site in Seattle, WA. We do not offer a remote option.
Is housing provided for interns?
We are unable to provide housing for summer interns.
How do I apply?
A current resume, cover letter, and writing sample are required in addition to completing the application form. A writing sample may be a research paper from a class, blog post, or article you have written. Check out the Resources below for help with our application requirements.
I am not eligible or available for the Summer internship, can I still be involved with UIHI?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering or interning with Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI), a division of Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB). Due to limited capacity and staff availability, we are currently only accepting volunteer/internship applications for the Summer Internship from those individuals who identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, and Indigenous. However, we welcome you to stay involved with our work. If you are still interested in volunteering with us in the future, please check back at a later date. You can also subscribe to our bi-weekly resource newsletter here to stay updated.
Meet our previous interns!
Brandi Reano (Diné/Kewameh)
Brandi Reano is Diné (Navajo) and Kewameh (from Santo Domingo Pueblo) and was raised in the Four Corners area of New Mexico.
Hannah Kelley (Sihásapa Lakóta)
Hannah Kelley is Sihásapa Lakóta and grew up in Portland, Oregon.
Jessica Sanchez (Kewa/Diné)
Jessica Sanchez (she/her) is from Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa) and a member of the Navajo Nation.
Marie Hershberger (Igorot)
Marie Hershberger is Igorot from the tribe of Kalinga in the northern Cordillera mountain range of the Philippines and was raised in Burien, Washington.
Matthew Cly (Navajo)
Matthew Cly is Navajo and mostly grew up on the Navajo reservation in Monument Valley, AZ after moving from Las Vegas.
Tori BearBow (Southern Cheyenne)
Tori BearBow is Southern Cheyenne and originally from Elko, Nevada, but has grown up in Snoqualmie, Washington since she was nine.
Watch our 2024 informational webinar
Find out more about our program from current employees.
Hear from our previous intern
Learn about our internship program straight from a prior intern!
Resources
Our partners
We are proud to work with our community partners to give UIHI Summer Interns the opportunity to explore different health fields. If you are interested in collaborating with UIHI’s Internship Program, please contact info@uihi.org.
