Internship Program
NPAF’s summer internship program provides college students with a meaningful and interactive learning opportunity to understand the policies and practices impacting patients and caregivers today. In addition to gaining a broad understanding of health policy, interns will also learn about the priorities and challenges of various health care partners, and how grassroots advocacy can help build a more equitable health care system for all patients and caregivers.
Interns will be assigned special projects that will advance our mission and will include presentations to staff as well as creating resources for our volunteers and grassroots campaigns.
By the end of the internship, students will be able to:
- Describe the role of Congress, regulatory agencies, industry, and advocacy organizations in shaping public policy.
- Identify policy solutions for a broad scope of health care issues including health disparities, affordability and access to care/insurance coverage.
- Translate policy issues and solutions to different audiences for community campaigns and digital advocacy initiatives.
Check out the frequently asked questions below to learn more about our internship program and how you can apply!
As of March 1, 2023, we are no longer accepting applications for the program beginning June 2023.
The internship program is open to any students from an accredited college or university who is interested in health policy, public health and grassroots advocacy.
Interns will receive a half-day onboarding session in which they will learn about NPAF’s mission, organizational structure and relation to Patient Advocate Foundation. Interns will also learn about NPAF’s public policy priorities, advocacy efforts and research opportunities.
Throughout the duration of the internship, interns may also participate in one-on-one meetings with various NPAF staff to understand their roles within the organization.
NPAF’s policy director supervises policy interns and will be their main point of contact. Additional staff will provide mentorship and supervise projects and assignments where appropriate.
Interns will be invited to participate in coalition meetings and briefings with many different partner organizations that include representatives from patient advocacy organizations, consultants, think tanks, Congressional staff, provider and health system organizations, and industry.
Interns will be an integral part of our team working closely with NPAF staff including the executive vice president and other policy, advocacy, and communications colleagues. Interns will also have an opportunity to work with our volunteers, many of whom are patients, caregivers, patient advocates and community leaders.
Interns will report their progress and receive performance feedback verbally on a regular basis. During presentations, interns will receive real-time feedback from the NPAF team. A more formal, written review will be provided by the preceptor at the mid-point of the internship, and then at the end.
The internship will last eight weeks – beginning Monday, June 5, 2023 and ending Friday, August 4, 2023.
Yes, a stipend will be available to all interns.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and short writing sample to internships@npaf.org. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 1, 2023 and up to two positions are available. You will be contacted within one week after the deadline regarding next steps including interviewing with NPAF staff. A final decision will be communicated no later than March 17, 2023.
You may send additional questions to internships@npaf.org. Please include in your subject line “INQUIRY” so staff know to prioritize your email.