The VDH Internship Academy 2026 offers a unique, hands-on learning experience for students and recent graduates eager to explore careers in public health and related fields. This paid internship provides participants with opportunities to work directly within Virginia Department of Health (VDH) programs, local health departments, or central office teams, gaining real-world exposure to public health, administration, technology, communications, and more.

The VDH Internship Academy emphasizes mentorship, professional growth, and practical skills development. Interns will contribute meaningfully to projects while networking with experienced professionals and attending in-person and virtual learning events.

Program Overview

The VDH Internship Academy is designed to immerse interns in a variety of program areas, including:

• Public Health Programs – work on initiatives that impact community health and wellness.

• Finance & Accounting – support budget, reporting, and analysis tasks.

• Human Resources – assist with HR processes and administrative tasks.

• Communications – develop content, social media strategies, and public messaging.

• Technology – contribute to IT support, software development, and systems optimization.

• Graphic Design – assist with visual and promotional materials.

Interns are placed in various locations across Virginia, including local health departments and VDH Central Offices in Richmond, VA.

Program highlights include:

• Kick-off Event: A 2-day in-person orientation at Richmond Central Office.

• Mentorship: Each intern is assigned a dedicated mentor to guide professional development.

• Weekly Virtual Meetings: Interns engage in virtual sessions with guest speakers and interactive learning opportunities.

• Networking: Interns meet and interact with VDH personnel to learn from experienced professionals.

• Closing Event & Ceremony: A 2-day in-person conclusion at the Richmond Central Office, celebrating accomplishments.

Benefits of the VDH Internship Academy

• Paid Internship: Interns earn $20/hour as part-time VDH wage employees.

• Professional Experience: Hands-on work across multiple public health and administrative areas.

• Skill Development: Mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities to enhance practical skills.

• In-Person Events: Kick-off and closing events provide collaborative learning, networking, and team-building experiences. Hotel and meals are provided for these events.

• Career Advancement: Exposure to potential career pathways within public health, technology, administration, and more.

Interns are expected to work a standard 40-hour week. Note that interns will not receive pay for state holidays, including Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Independence Day.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Age: Must be at least 18 years old.

2. Employment Eligibility: Must be legally eligible to work in the United States according to the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

3. Educational Status:

   • Current enrollment in an undergraduate, master’s, or terminal degree program at a college or university (in-state or out-of-state).

   • Recent graduates (within the last 12 months) of undergraduate, master’s, or terminal degree programs are also eligible.

4. Academic Standing: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (unofficial transcripts acceptable).

5. Background Check: Ability to pass a criminal background check with the Virginia State Police.

6. Employment Restrictions: Applicants cannot be current full-time or wage employees of VDH or current contractors.

The program is inclusive and open to students from a wide variety of academic disciplines, from public health to graphic design, technology, finance, and communications.

Application and Selection Process

Applications must be submitted electronically between December 19, 2025, and January 31, 2026. All applicants are required to submit the following:

• Resume – detailing academic and work experiences.

• Letter of Interest (1–2 pages) – describing why you are an ideal candidate. Letters must:

  • Be a maximum of 2 pages, font size 11 or higher.

  • Avoid including the applicant’s name or college/university affiliation (anonymous review process).

  • Highlight a personal stake in public health or public service.

  • Demonstrate relevant experience, skills, and motivation.

• Transcript – showing cumulative GPA through Fall 2025 (unofficial accepted).

Selection Process

1. Initial Screening: Letters of interest are reviewed anonymously by multiple screeners using a standardized rubric.

2. Ranking: Applicants are ranked based on GPA, letter content, field of study, and anticipated graduation year.

3. Placement Considerations:

   • Geographic preferences (cities/counties).

   • Programmatic interests (e.g., Nursing, Administration, Environmental Health, Human Resources).

4. Interview: Virtual interviews lasting up to 45 minutes with prospective host sites. The first 30 minutes focus on introductions and questions; the final 15 minutes are for evaluation.

Candidates will be notified of interview outcomes by early March 2026. Final acceptance decisions for Cohort 4 will be made no later than April 17, 2026, with notifications sent the following week.

Program Duration and Structure

• Part-Time Internship: 40-hour workweek.

• Kick-off Event: 2-day in-person orientation in Richmond, VA.

• Weekly Virtual Training: Interactive meetings with guest speakers.

• Closing Event: 2-day in-person ceremony in Richmond, VA.

This paid experiential learning program provides comprehensive exposure to public health operations, mentorship, and networking opportunities, preparing students for future career success.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit their applications online through the official VDH Internship Academy portal. For inquiries about the internship or to complete the interest form, applicants may contact the VDH Internship team via the provided online form.

Important Dates

• Application Open: December 19, 2025

• Application Close: January 31, 2026

• Interview Notifications: Early March 2026

• Acceptance Decisions: No later than April 17, 2026

APPLY HERE

The VDH Internship Academy 2026 provides a unique paid internship opportunity for students and recent graduates eager to gain experience in public health, administration, communications, and technology. With mentorship, networking, and hands-on projects, the program equips participants with practical skills and knowledge for a successful career in public service. Don’t miss this chance to advance your career and contribute to public health initiatives across Virginia.

For more opportunities, visit Opportunities for Youth.