The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. If you have an interest in the fields of public health and behavioral health, the SAMHSA Internship Program could be a great fit for you.
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Program Description
This full-time and fully funded internship program gives you meaningful work experience and a unique opportunity to chart your career path. SAMHSA headquarters is located in Rockville, MD and employs a wide array of public health, behavioral and social science professionals.
The SAMHSA Internship Program (SIP) introduces students to the important role SAMHSA plays in ensuring a productive life in the community for everyone. Interns gain practical experience through projects, special assignments, or research that supports federal, state, and community-based programs, policies, and best practices in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and mental illness.
Students selected as SAMHSA interns will use their specific skills and knowledge while experiencing the value of their education. Interns will work under the guidance of a SAMHSA manager in one of the Offices and Centers that matches closely with their course of study and interests.
The SAMHSA Internship Program is specifically designed to equip college students and recent graduates from underrepresented populations to succeed in the public health field. Students from these groups are encouraged to apply:
- Women
- Veterans
- LGBTQ+
- First-generation students
- Persons with disabilities
- Asian and Pacific Islanders
- Students of Hispanic Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Tribal Colleges and Universities
* Please note that in the case of COVID-limitations, this internship may be virtual. We continue to monitor the guidance from the CDC and local authorities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area regarding COVID and its potential impact on our programs.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (I-151 or I-551). Individuals on temporary visas are not eligible. Additionally, individuals must be authorized or eligible to work in the United States by law.
- Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program (AA/AS, BA/BS, Masters, JD, MD, or Ph.D.) at an accredited higher education institution during the internship OR be a recent graduate within 18 months of graduation. Students pursuing only a credential or certificate program will be considered ineligible.
- Have completed their freshman year of college before the internship begins.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be able to work full-time (40 hours per week) for the duration of the internship.
- Have a confirmed interest in working with SAMHSA.
- Reside within the United States throughout the entire duration of the internship (if virtual).
- Have completed the following steps of a background check before the start of the internship:
- Security onboarding forms
- Cybersecurity Awareness Training
- Fingerprinting
- e-QIP (electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing)
* Preference given to upperclassmen and graduate students and/or those with relevant experience.
Preferred majors include:
- Public health
- Public administration
- Behavioral and social sciences
- Public policy
- Business communications
- Business administration
- Information technology
Please reach out to federal@twc.edu if you have any questions.
Program Components
During this full-time 10-week Summer and 15-week Fall and Spring program, you will intern five days per week. The SAMHSA Internship Program shows highly competent students how they can reduce the community impact of mental illness and substance abuse through a variety of fields:
- Substance abuse and mental health prevention and treatment
- Federal, state, and local government policies and regulations
- Health IT
- Program administration, operations, and management
- Research and data analysis
- Communications and social marketing
- Grant management
Program Benefits
This is a fully funded program sponsored by SAMHSA. Sponsorship covers the cost of the program, housing (if needed) and roundtrip travel to and from the internship site city. You will be responsible for living expenses and local transportation. However, a stipend of $5,000-$8,000, depending on the length of the semester, will be provided to help alleviate these expenses.
In addition, various professional development sessions will be available to enhance students’ knowledge and marketability. The Washington Center organizes multiple hands-on experiences to prepare you for your career including Resume Review & Cover Letter Writing, LinkedIn Review, Interviewing & Pitching Yourself, etc. TWC also organizes networking opportunities during your internship and has highly active alumni networks of which you will be a part.
Housing and Living
Fully furnished housing near the internship site is provided by TWC for all participants who need it. Housing accommodations can, and typically do, require shared-living arrangements with other interns. Every effort is made to arrange housing near essential amenities like grocery stores, public transit and medical facilities.
TWC housing is covered by a portion of the stipend. The cost is approximately $2,000. You can choose not to use the TWC provided housing. Instead, you may take the portion of the stipend reserved for housing and use that to acquire your own housing.
Academic Credit
You may be eligible to receive academic credit for your participation in this program. However, credits are determined and awarded by each university. You are responsible for arranging any academic credit through your college or university. TWC is also willing to work with those who may have practicum or fieldwork requirements. You should discuss arrangements with your institution, prior to starting the program and let TWC know the specific requirements of your university.
Dates and Deadlines
Summer 2024 (Virtual)
- Applications Accepted: October 16, 2023 – January 15, 2024
- Decision Notification: Mid March 2024 (Applicants are notified when they are selected for interviews until all positions are filled or until mid March)
- Program Dates: May 13, 2024 – July 26, 2024 (subject to change)
Please reach out to federal@twc.edu if you have any questions.