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2026 Student Internship Program
Application period will be opening soon for the Summer 2026 Program!
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Student Internship Program is an opportunity for college and university student leaders to experience public policy in action and learn about LDH's current affairs. Interns will engage in projects, activities, and work assignments of varying complexity, including:
- Providing entry-to-intermediate level professional services in offices across Louisiana, under the supervision of LDH management staff in various sections of LDH
- Participating in projects and programs designed to develop professional skills and expertise
- Participating in the planning and implementation of departmental policies and initiatives
- Receiving guidance, training, and mentoring from LDH management staff
- Performing miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned
- Competitive pay
- Experience with LDH public policy and current affairs
- Opportunities for flexible scheduling
- Internships are open to students enrolled in a Louisiana college or university.
- Internship requirements include:
- Undergraduate students who have completed their freshman year
- Students who have completed at least one academic year at a two-year college may apply for the Internship Program
- Students must possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization
- Applicants must:
- Be in good academic standing with an overall GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
- Demonstrate leadership and commitment to public service, volunteerism, and civic engagement
- Practice ethical standards, including professional discretion
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to personal growth, good government, and nonpartisanship
- Interns are expected to participate in all Intern activities throughout the program. This includes 20 to 40 hours of work within assigned LDH agencies per week, and other opportunities that may arise.
- Failure to adhere to the above requirements may result in removal from the internship.
Qualified applicants must include the following documents when the application is submitted:
- Official Enrollment Verification Letter (verifying current FT status and classification)
- Complete, unofficial transcript (an official transcript will be required for finalist candidates)
- Resume including education and employment history
- Letter of professional recommendation from a professor or supervisor
- 300-word essay focusing on a specific policy issue or an agency within the Department of Health
- Your essay should outline the significance of your choice and how, based upon your education and experience, you could enhance or further the goals of that specific office or policy issue.
- Your essay may either focus on a current issue or suggest a new policy. To the best extent possible, interns will be placed within their area of focus.
Failure to submit all required documents may result in removal from the qualification process.
Questions? Email LDHInternship@la.gov.