Internship and Volunteer Program
Interns and volunteers at the Department of Public Health (DPH) will find many opportunities to serve local communities and learn about the diverse array of programs and services we offer. Interns and volunteers support the department as nurses, epidemiologists, health educators, research assistants, and several other important roles.
If you are interested in exploring a rewarding career in public health or simply want to serve on a temporary basis, there is a place for you at DPH.
Cohort Applications
San Bernardino County Department of Public Health’s cohort application is a structured internship experience. Cohort placements offer a clearly defined timeline, alignment with academic schedules, intentional learning opportunities through predefined projects, and DPH programs that have committed to hosting a set number of interns during this period. To see the programs participating in cohort placements, visit the Programs Seeking Interns page.
The Spring 2027 Cohort application period runs from August 31, 2026, to September 27, 2026. All applications submitted during this window will be reviewed for the Spring 2027 Cohort starting in January.
Applications submitted during the cohort window will be reviewed after the application period closes. Applicants will be contacted within one month following the closing date.
Apply For The Internship Cohort
Open Applications
San Bernardino County Department of Public Health‘s open enrollment application is available year‑round for anyone interested in volunteering or applying for an internship.
Placements through this route are limited since most projects follow fixed timelines and are filled during scheduled program submissions. Placements through the open application are considered individually and may be limited depending on current need.
Please be aware that submitting an open application does not guarantee placement or immediate availability.
Applications are reviewed after the application period closes at the end of each month. Applicants will be contacted within one month following the closing date.
Apply For The Open Application
Join Our Pack of Animal Shelter Volunteers
Interested in making a direct impact on the health, safety, and well‑being of animals in our community? By walking dogs, socializing cats, or lending a hand at adoption events, you’ll have a direct impact on their journey to finding their forever homes.
Volunteering at the Devore Animal Shelter is a rewarding way to help pets and support your community. With a flexible schedule and a minimum commitment of 10 hours per month, it’s easy to get involved and make a difference.
Internship Timelines:
| Cohort | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Spring 2027 Internship Opportunities Applications open August 31st | Applications Open: August 31st, 2026 Applications Close: September 27th, 2026 Program Start: January, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 Internship Opportunities Applications not yet available |
Schools with Learners Agreement/MOU with DPH or San Bernardino County
| American Public University | Crafton Hills College |
| California Baptist University (CBU) | Inland Valley Job Corps. |
| California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly), Pomona (CPP) | Loma Linda University |
| California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) | Maryville University (Maryville) |
| California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) | Occidental College (Oxy) |
| California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) | Post University |
| CDPH California Epidemiologic Investigation Service (Cal-EIS) Fellowship Program | Patton State Hospital |
| Cerritos College | San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) |
| Chaffey College | Southern California University of Health Sciences |
| Chapman University | United States University |
| Claremont Graduate University | University of California, Riverside (UCR) |
| University of Redlands |
Frequently Asked Questions
Interns and volunteers may be very knowledgeable in certain fields of study, which will help DPH to achieve its mission and vision. Interns and volunteers also bring a diversity of new perspectives, fresh ideas and creative solutions to health problems within our community and for improving departmental operations.
DPH does not offer any paid internships or volunteer opportunities at this time. You will, however, receive hands-on experience and receive an opportunity to make an impact on the health and lives of San Bernardino County residents.
- Applicants for an internship must be part-time/full-time students. They must also attend a school that has entered into a current Learner Agreement with DPH or be a San Bernardino County preferred partner (see the Which schools have a Learner Agreement/MOU with DPH or San Bernardino County).
- Non-internship volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to serve in DPH-related activities and events. Volunteers do not need to be in any academic institution to apply.
- Applicants must successfully pass a background check to participate in the program.
All applicants will receive an automatic email notifying them when their application has been successfully submitted. Applications will be reviewed either by the IVP team or by programs.
DPH program leads, or the IVP Coordinator, will contact candidates to arrange interviews after applications are reviewed.
You can expect an email notification about the status of your application:
- One month from the application closing date for cohort applications, or
- One month from the end of the month of submission for open applications.
If you are accepted for placement, the email will contain information regarding the next steps to secure your placement.
If you have questions or comments about the Internship and Volunteer Program, please contact DPH Workforce Development.