Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation’s leading health care providers, has opened applications for its highly anticipated KP LAUNCH Program—an 8-week paid summer internship designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in the healthcare industry.

The program, which runs from June 8 to July 31, 2026, offers college students a chance to earn $25.09 – $29.16 per hour while gaining hands-on experience in a professional healthcare environment. Applications open November 17, 2025, and close January 9, 2026, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

About KP LAUNCH

KP LAUNCH (Learn About Unlimited New Careers in Healthcare) is Kaiser Permanente’s signature internship initiative across Northern California. The program offers young adults an inside look into the wide array of careers available in healthcare—both clinical and non-clinical—through immersive experiences, mentorship, and professional development.

More than just a summer internship, KP LAUNCH empowers students to explore career pathways in health professions, grow leadership skills, and understand the impact of healthcare innovation.

The program’s mission is simple yet powerful: to introduce, inspire, and prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders who are passionate about improving lives and communities.

Program Goals

The KP LAUNCH Program focuses on four main objectives:

1. Exposure to Healthcare Careers: Interns learn about a variety of roles within the healthcare ecosystem, gaining insight into both patient care and operational functions.

2. Leadership Development: Through mentorship and community engagement, interns develop critical leadership and communication skills.

3. Career Readiness: Interns acquire practical skills, work experience, and professional connections that enhance their career prospects.

4. Encouragement for Higher Education: Kaiser Permanente motivates interns to continue pursuing academic and career excellence in healthcare-related fields.

What Interns Do

During the 8-week program, interns will:

• Work on projects that matter, contributing to real-world healthcare initiatives.

• Participate in mentorship and networking with seasoned professionals and senior leaders.

• Attend career development workshops to build both personal and professional competencies.

• Engage in community service projects, reinforcing the organization’s mission of improving community well-being.

• Take part in job shadowing opportunities to understand how departments operate within a healthcare organization.

This experience not only strengthens resumes but also helps participants make informed decisions about their long-term career paths.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the KP LAUNCH College Internship, applicants must:

• Be between 18–24 years old by June 1, 2026.

• Have a high school diploma or GED.

• Be currently enrolled in a college, university, community college, or trade/vocational school—or have graduated within the past year.

• Be available full-time (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) for the duration of the 8-week program.

• Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

• Reside in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente service area.

• Demonstrate leadership ability through prior work, community service, or campus activities.

Note: Dependents of Kaiser Permanente employees and physicians are not eligible for the program.

Application and Selection Process

Applications open November 17, 2025, and close January 9, 2026.

Key dates include:

• Application Review: January – February 2026

• Interviews: February 2 – February 27, 2026

• Notifications: March 13 (selection) or May 1 (non-selection)

• Onboarding Completion: By May 29, 2026

• Program Dates: June 8 – July 31, 2026

Applicants will be required to submit a resume and a personal statement (750 words or less) outlining their goals, leadership experience, and motivation for joining the healthcare field.

Selected candidates will be notified via email and phone and will receive detailed onboarding instructions prior to the program start date.

For more details and information, CLICK HERE.

About the Experience

The KP LAUNCH internship offers far more than a summer job—it’s a stepping stone into the healthcare world. Participants will earn competitive pay, gain exposure to professional networks, and develop the confidence to navigate future career challenges.

Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to nurturing young talent ensures that every intern leaves with valuable experience, lifelong connections, and a deeper appreciation of healthcare’s transformative impact on society.

For more information or assistance, email KP.LAUNCH@kp.org.

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