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Summer Enrichment Program Intern Information

 
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Apply to be an SEP Intern

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The Institute’s Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) has served as the premier internship program for academically strong, energetic, and innovative, graduate students from diverse backgrounds. Since 1994, more than 1,600 interns seeking advanced degrees in health care or related field have successfully completed the program. Those who move through the Summer Enrichment Program benefit from experiential learning, mentorship, and countless opportunities to connect, engage, and learn from current practitioners.

The Summer Enrichment Program pairs diverse scholars with leading organizations in order to strengthen the pipeline and build the next generation of diverse executives. The SEP provides each participation with real-world experience, training, and mentoring that leverage the interns’ education and professional strengths to help them grow as effective leaders in health care. Interns are paid a weekly stipend, assigned a special project, and have the ability to move across the country for an exceptional summer experience.

If you are a graduate student with a demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity seeking an internship, we encourage and welcome your application. We look forward to participating in your professional development.

For more information, contact ifd-sep@aha.org

Proposed 2025 Summer Enrichment Program Schedule 

Dates are subject to change

2025 Summer Enrichment Program Schedule
October 14, 2024

Registration opens for Host Sites and Students

February 7, 2025

Student Application Deadline

February 21, 2025

Host Site Application Deadline

February 10-21, 2025

Application Review Period

February 24, 2025

Interviews will be conducted with IFDHE Internal Review Committee and Student Applicants (Please note this is a two-week process)

May 2, 2025

Host Site-Student Matches Finalized

May 28, 2025

SEP Intern Orientation

June 2, 2025

2025 SEP begins

June 12, 2025

Intern Check-In

June 26, 2025

Intern Lunch and Learn – Special Topic

July 10, 2025

Intern Check-In

July 24, 2025

Intern Lunch and Learn – Special Topic

August 1, 2025

Capstone Presentations Due

August 7, 2025

SEP Graduation/Capstone Presentations

August 11, 2025

2025 SEP concludes

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All students who meet the Summer Enrichment Program eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

    • Be a U.S. citizen or a non-U.S. citizen who is authorized to work in the United States and, if hired, able to provide proof of employment authorization in the U.S.
    • Be currently enrolled in a MHA/ MPH/ MBA or a comparable graduate degree. (We currently cannot place undergraduates.)
    • Have a minimum overall graduate GPA of 3.0.
    • Must have completed at least 1 semester of health-related graduate program
    • Be able to move to a different US city from June - Aug.
    • Demonstration of strong commitment to advancing diversity and health equity through lived experiences.
    • Can demonstrate an understanding of disparities in health care.
    • Demonstrates interest in self-development and making a contribution at leadership levels in hospitals and health systems.

    Other factors for consideration include that a student:

    • Has preference in being placed in a rural community (i.e. Alaska, South Dakota)
  • Applying in the SEP database is a simple process. It can be broken down into these seven (7) steps:

    1. Visit our Online Database by clicking here. (Bookmark this page for later reference.)
    2. In the field, "Enter your Organization:" enter IFDSEP.
    3. Enter your contact information into the blank applicant profile. (Note: Do not fill out the gray "Host Site Section." Skip down and complete the blue "Student Section.") Please do not skip any fields as a completed profile is required to register. (The registry will not save your progress. If you close the window or leave before it is complete, your work will be lost.)
    4. Once you complete the profile, you will receive a confirmation email with your Profile Id. Save that information. You will need it to log in and update your profile or upload documents. (Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email, then your profile was not completed. You will need to create a new profile.)
    5. Assemble your application packet materials and upload them to your "App Packet" page. Questions about the application packet materials are answered at the bottom of this page. They include:
      • Your letter of introduction (1 - 2 pages, tell us about how you have demonstrated a commitment to advancing diversity and health equity through lived experience as well as a deep understanding of the persistent disparities in health care.)
      • A Current Academic Resume
      • Current college transcripts (You may upload an unofficial copy from your college website. Your name, college, and major must be listed.)
      • Two (2) letters of recommendation (preferably from a current dean, professor or recent employer)
      • One current, professional digital photograph of yourself uploaded to your profile page.
      • Completed, uploaded copy of the SEP Intern Commitment Form. (All boxes checked and appropriate text filled.)

      Note: Please spell-check all of your documentation before upload. Applicants with materials containing syntax or spelling errors will not be accepted into the program.

    6. Login to your profile in the SEP Registry and upload these documents to your "App Packet" page. Note: Students who do not complete the profile and upload all documents will not be eligible for matching.
    7. Download and read the SEP Intern Handbook. The handbook is full of helpful information. It will give you a thorough understanding of the SEP process and what you can expect throughout the entire program. Note: Do not ignore this step. The handbook is a critical part of your preparation for the program.

    Once you have uploaded all documents, you are registered for the SEP program.

  • The deadline for application is February 7, 2025.

 

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