What is SHIP?

The Summer Health Internship Program (SHIP) provides undergraduate health professions students with paid six-week internships in local health-focused organizations, in the hope of increasing the likelihood those students ultimately will work in the region. SHIP is open to students who are attending college within northeastern Kentucky, as well as those with a permanent address in the NE AHEC’s service area that are attending college elsewhere.

SHIP links undergraduate student interns with health departments, community health centers, and other health-related organizations to address a variety of public health issues. Projects vary widely to suit interns’ interests and abilities, as well as local program needs. On-site mentors provide technical support and assistance, helping interns to gain an understanding and appreciation of the broad range of public health initiatives. Projects are proposed by the host site and must address local health priorities, preferably where the intern’s work may have an immediate and direct impact on the local community.

Internships for the summer of 2025 will begin in May and continue through June.

How can I apply?

Undergraduate health care professional students who are attending college or have a permanent address within NE KY AHEC’s 17 county service area are eligible to apply for SHIP. The following documents are required for application:

• SHIP Application
• Two (2) 250 word personal essays will need to be included with the application in order to be considered a candidate for SHIP.
• College transcript
• Two letters of recommendation from college faculty and/or previous employer (These letters can be uploaded directly by clicking here.)

Applications for SHIP 2025 will open in January and close end of March. 

If you are a host site, interested in taking a student, please complete the Host Site Application between January 3, 2025 and March 31, 2025.

If you need further information or have questions contact Lakyn Newcomb by email at  lakyn.newcomb@st-claire.org or by phone at 606.783.6787.