Science Internship Program: Public Health

In collaboration with the Department of Infectious Disease, the Transplantation Center and other public health focused institutes and departments, the Public Health track of the Science Internship Program expands high school students’ knowledge of public health in the areas of health promotion, population-based intervention strategies, disease prevention, and organ donation and transplantation.

This nine-week paid internship offers rising high school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in Northeast Ohio the opportunity to work and learn alongside multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals specializing in public health, community medicine, infectious disease and organ donation and transplantation including nationally-renowned Cleveland Clinic physicians, public health professionals and researchers.

Please review the Program Info, Eligibility, FAQs, and Application Process tabs BEFORE applying to the Public Health Track of the ScienceInternship Program.

Program InfoEligibilityFAQsApplication Process

New Students:

Application for NEW STUDENTS opens on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.
Application deadline for NEW STUDENTS is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2019; late applications are NOT accepted
NEW STUDENTS submitting applications will be notified by the end of March, 2019 as to whether or not they will receive an interview.

Returning Students:

Application for RETURNING STUDENTS opens on Monday, December 3, 2018.
Application deadline for RETURNING STUDENTS is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, 2019; late applications are NOT accepted.

All Students:

Applicants who move on to interviews will be notified as to whether or not they have been accepted into the program in April, 2019.
The nine consecutive program weeks begin with orientation on Monday, June 3, 2019, and end on Friday, August 2, 2019.
Students must also attend the graduation event on August 2, 2019 as part of program completion.
There is also a Human Resources Onboarding day. Students offered a position will be advised of that date and time.
Program hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. during the nine weeks of the program.
The program takes place at various locations throughout the Cleveland Clinic enterprise.
This is a paid internship; students will be paid bi-weekly, in accordance with Cleveland Clinic’s pay cycle.
During the program, students may participate in field trips, independent and group research projects, workshops and presentations, and will work with their assigned mentor and Cleveland Clinic caregivers as a member of that team to learn about research and health care.

PLEASE NOTE: Cleveland Clinic does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities, on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ethnicity, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Cleveland Clinic administers all programs and services without regard to disability, and provides reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

New Students must:

Be a U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national, or legal permanent resident
Be 16 years of age by June 1, 2019
Be in 10^th or 11^th grade at the time of application
Have a current cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
Live AND attend school in one of the following Northeast Ohio counties: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Summit or Wayne
Demonstrate a strong interest in science and an expressed interest in a career in medicine, science, and/or research

Returning Students must:

Have previously successfully participated in the internship program
Be a U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national, or legal permanent resident
Be 17 years of age by June 1, 2019
Be in 11^th or 12^th grade at the time of application submission
Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
Live AND attend school in one of the following Northeast Ohio counties: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Summit or Wayne
Demonstrate a strong interest in science and an expressed interest in a career in medicine, science, and/or research.

General Program Information FAQs:

When does the program start and end?

The nine consecutive program weeks begin with orientation on Monday, June 3, 2019, and end on Friday, August 2, 2019; Students must also attend the graduation event on August 2, 2019. There is also a Human Resources Onboarding day. Students offered a position will be advised of that date and time.

What is the time commitment that is required for the program?

Program hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. during the nine weeks of the program. The date and time of the Human Resources Onboarding day will be shared with students upon acceptance into the program.

Is this a paid internship?

This is a paid internship. Students will be paid bi-weekly, in accordance with Cleveland Clinic’s pay cycle.

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is not provided. It is the responsibility of the student.

Is transportation provided?

Transportation to and from work is not provided. It is the responsibility of the student. However, if students are required to attend a field trip as part of their work day, Cleveland Clinic may provide transportation to and from the activity. Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified of such arrangements as appropriate.

Is housing provided?

No. Housing is not provided. Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for their own housing and transportation arrangements.

Is time away allowed during the program?

No. Vacations and time off are not permitted during the nine week program experience. All vacations must be taken before or after the program start and ends dates. Time off will not be granted for conflicting extracurricular or academic activities (sports/band/cheerleader camp, debates, other competitive events, etc.) Students offered placement are expected to make a commitment to the full program and must consider all of their options and choose mindfully.

Do the participants have to work on July 4^th?

July 4^th is a recognized holiday at Cleveland Clinic. Students do NOT have to report to work on July 4^th if the holiday falls on a week day. If the holiday falls on a weekend, students will be given time off on either the Friday before or the Monday after the holiday. You will be advised of the appropriate day to use for the holiday, and what action to take.

NOTE: This year July 4th is on Thursday. Understanding the importance of family time, students will not report to work on Friday, July 5th. It is hoped this can be used as a long weekend spent with family and friends.

What if a student becomes ill?

In the event the student becomes ill, injured, or otherwise impaired, the student shall immediately notify their mentor/co-mentor and the Civic Education Department to assess continuation in the program.

Is there a dress code/uniform for the program?

All program participants are required to follow the dress code policy. Participants of the program will be furnished a program polo shirt and lab jacket. Students must also adhere to the Cleveland Clinic Personal Appearance policy. A copy of the policy will be provided upon acceptance into the program. Failure to adhere to the dress code may result in termination from the program.

Does it cost anything to participate in this program?

There is no cost or tuition for students to participate in this program. Personal expenses such as lunch and transportation are the responsibility of the student and their family. Students must also purchase their copy of the Basic Life Support training manual.

Are students permitted to have their cell phones on campus/during off-site activities?

Cell phones must be turned off and stored in the student’s purse or backpack while on any Cleveland Clinic property. The use of cellular phones during sessions and activities is prohibited. Cell phones may only be used outside of Cleveland Clinic buildings or in the cafeterias during a student’s designated lunch/break time. Non-compliance may result in termination from the program.

What if I need to reach my child regarding a family emergency?

Cleveland Clinic will provide students and parent(s)/guardian(s) with available numbers for use should such emergencies occur.

Will my research experience match my research interest?

Not necessarily; however, we will do our best to match your research interest with a research mentor and institution related to your interest.

Can I choose the facility to which I will be assigned?

No. Every effort will be made to place students according to their areas of interest as stated on their application. The student's geographic residence will also be taken into consideration. Final assignments will be made by the selection team based on available mentors and projects.

Can I choose the department or lab to which I will be assigned?

No. Every effort will be made to place students according to their areas of interest as stated on their application. Final assignments will be made by the selection team based on available mentors and the research topics.

What will students be doing during their summer internship placement?

Job responsibilities will vary by placement and location. Below is a generic job description for all Internship Program students.

Under the close direction of their assigned Cleveland Clinic clinical research mentor, non-clinical research mentor or laboratory research mentor, student responsibilities could include the following:

Clinical Research Environment:

Assists with indirect patient care as trained or assigned
Assists in patient service functions as trained or assigned
Conducts an individual and group clinical research project
Observes patient care procedures
Observes surgical procedures
Performs library research and related readings as required
Performs general clinical and research duties and other related duties as trained or assigned

Non-Clinical Research Environment:

Assists in patient research-connected functions as trained or assigned
Conducts an individual and group clinical research project
Observes patient care procedures as appropriate for research project
Observes surgical procedures
Performs library research and related readings as required
Performs general non-clinical and research duties and other related duties as trained or assigned

Laboratory Research Environment:

Actively participates in departmental clinical/research projects
Conducts an individual and group research project
Receives specimens into lab and assigns unique ID number
Collects and prepares specimens for testing, enters patient and specimen information
Interacts with patient/study participants
Collects data and entry of patients/study participant information into database
Performs library research and related readings as required
Performs general lab and research functions and other related duties as trained or assigned

All Internship Program participants will also be expected to comply with the following:

Required attendance at all summer workshops/summer symposium series
Keep a daily journal documenting their activities and research progress
Formal presentation of research project at the end of summer in a public forum
Required attendance at graduation

Does this program count for school credit?

The majority of participating public and private schools have considered and granted “Independent Study” and/or at least 0.1 to 0.5 credits reflected on the student’s official transcript upon the student’s documented successful completion of the program. Many school districts also participate in the College Credit Plus Program. Please check with your child’s school/school district to determine what they offer.

As part of the College Credit Plus Program, several local colleges/universities provide undergraduate credit hours to interested students with documentation of successful completion of the program. Information on participating colleges/universities and their guidelines will be provided upon acceptance into the internship program.

Eligibility FAQs:

What are the eligibility criteria for the program?

Please see our Eligibility tab for more information. Please remember that applicants who do not all meet ALL eligibility criteria will not be considered.

Do I have to meet the age AND grade eligibility criteria?

Yes. Please see our Eligibility tab for more information. Please remember that applicants who do not all meet ALL eligibility criteria will not be considered.

Do I have to meet the GPA requirement for this program?

Yes. You must have a current cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Please remember that applicants who do not all meet ALL eligibility criteria will not be considered.

Do I have to live AND attend school in one of the counties listed on the Eligibility tab?

All new and returning students must live AND attend school in one of the following Northeast Ohio counties: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Summit or Wayne.

Please remember that applicants who do not all meet ALL eligibility criteria will not be considered.

How can I demonstrate that I have a strong interest in science, medicine and research?

Applicants can demonstrate their interest in science, medicine and research by referencing future career goals on their application, as well as in their cover letter. Participation in related extracurricular activities, science fairs, and other internship programs can also be included in the cover letter and application to demonstrate interest.

Can I apply if I am not a citizen, permanent resident or non-citizen national of the United States?

No. Only citizens, permanent residents and noncitizen nationals of the U.S. are eligible to apply to this program.

What is a non-citizen national?

Non-citizen nationals are persons born in American Samoa, Guam, Saipan certain former citizens of the former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and certain children of non-citizen nationals born abroad. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal-considerations/us-citizenship-laws-policies/certificates-of-non-citizen-nationality.html for additional information.

Do I have to prove citizenship prior to the program?

Yes. All students are required to submit a copy of a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate or a government issued photo identification document (One of these three all issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles - temporary drivers license, permanent drivers license, BMV photo ID) to Cleveland Clinic once accepted into the program. NOTE – School and other photo IDs are not accepted.

Application Process FAQs:

How do I apply?

Please see our Application Process tab for more information.

When does the application open?

Application for returning interns only opens Monday, December 3, 2018. Application for new students only opens on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

What is the application deadline?

Application deadline for returning interns only is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. January, 31, 2019.

Application deadline for new students only is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2019. Late applications are NOT accepted. .

You offer more than one internship program during the summer. Can I apply to more than one?

Yes, however, in order to create a meaningful and engaging internship experience, we strongly recommend that you limit your applications to the one program/track that best aligns with your interests and future career goals. Please also research the eligibility criteria for the program(s) you are applying to and make sure that you qualify to participate. Applicants who do not all meet ALL eligibility criteria for the program(s) they are applying to will not be considered.

What documents are required to complete the online application?

All applicants must submit a cover letter (use this template) indicating the track they are applying for. Students must upload their cover letter as part of their online application. We also ask that you include a copy of your current and up-to-date school transcript. While it is not required you may also choose to include a copy of your resume’. Please combine all of the documents you are uploading into one, single PDF file and upload the one PDF file only to your application. Follow the instructions on the Application Tab.

How can I complete a cover letter if I have no previous work experience?

If you haven't had a regular job before, it's fine to include positions like babysitting or pet sitting, and any volunteer experiences you might have and the skills developed in your cover letter. You may also include extracurricular activities, such as sports, band, choir, science fairs, academic clubs, etc. If you had a leadership position in any of these activities (such as captain of a team or secretary of a club), include this title. Your cover letter are also the best place to describe why you have a strong interest in science, and to express your interest in a career in medicine, science, and/or research.

If I do not have access to the Internet, how can I apply?

The internship program application is web based and not available in paper form. Visit your local library or community center to access the Web or inquire if your school has a computer that you can access before and after school hours. The Clinic-Based programs application process is done completely online.

After Applying FAQs:

When are applications reviewed?

Application review will begin AFTER the application deadlines of Thursday, January 31, 2019 for returning interns and Thursday, February 28, 2019 for new students and will end in late February, 2019 for returning interns and late March, 2019 for new students.

When will I be notified as to whether or not I will receive an interview?

All Returning interns submitting applications will be notified via the email provided on their online application of their interview status by the end of February, 2019. All New students submitting applications will be notified via the email provided on their application of their interview status by the end of March, 2019.

If I am selected for an interview, how soon after that will I be notified as to whether or not I have been accepted into the program?

All applicants that were selected for an interview will be notified via the email provided on their online application of their acceptance status in April, 2019.

If I am accepted into the program, are there additional documents needed prior to participation?

Yes. All applicants who are offered placement in the program will be required to obtain:

A recommendation form completed by one teacher
A recommendation form completed by their guidance counselor
A government issued photo ID (One of these three all issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles - temporary driver’s license, permanent driver’s license, BMV photo ID) NOTE – School and other photo IDs are not accepted
Proof of United States citizenship, permanent resident status or non-citizen national of the United States status
A complete immunization record from their physician
Social Security Card (for payroll purposes). Find out how to obtain a social security card here: https://www.ssa.gov/
You must provide valid bank account and routing number information at time of hire for direct deposit of pay checks

Are there required events or activities that take place as part of the program?

Yes. Students selected to participate in the program are also required to:

The nine consecutive program weeks begin with orientation on Monday, June 3, 2019, and end on Friday, August 2, 2019
Students must also attend the graduation event on August 2, 2019 as part of program completion.
There is also a Human Resources Onboarding day. Students offered a position will be advised of that date and time
Complete a pre-program physical including a TB screen, drug screen and cotinine test for tobacco use (all three will be provided by Cleveland Clinic and cannot be performed by an outside source)
Complete identified online training
Complete photo ID badge process

Does the onboarding process for accepted applicants require any time away from school?

Cleveland Clinic will make every effort to schedule onboarding events around school hours whenever possible. Some onboarding events may need to take place during the school day, based on the availability of Cleveland Clinic staff/departments. Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified about onboarding events that conflict with the school day as early as possible.

New Students:

Application for new students only opens on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.
Application deadline for new students only is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2019; late applications are NOT accepted

Returning Students:

Application for returning interns only opens on Monday, December 3, 2018.
Application deadline for returning interns only is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. January, 31, 2019; late applications are NOT accepted.

All Applicants:

Carefully research all internship programs; determine which one you are eligible for, and determine which one best aligns with your research interest and future career goals
Before you start your application please compose your cover letter (use this template). Your cover letter must be uploaded as part of your online application. Your cover letter MUST include:
- Your applicant’s full name, address, telephone number(s), email address, school name, district, grade and current GPA
- Your parent/guardians’ full name, address, telephone number and email address
- Please make sure to indicate which track of the Science Internship Program you are applying to, so we can consider you for the appropriate position.
- Save your cover letter as a PDF, and be ready to upload it via the online application.
- You also have the option to include your resume, if you have one. Please make sure this document is typed and formatted correctly. It must be submitted in PDF format.
- Including your school transcript as part of your application is also optional. This file must be submitted electronically, so if you only have a paper copy, please scan it and save it as a PDF.
- PLEASE NOTE: The online application has only ONE field that allows uploading of electronic documents. If you are submitting your cover letter, resume, and school transcripts, please make sure to save these files as ONE PDF, or else you’ll run into problems uploading them to the application.
- Once all steps listed above are complete, please fill out the online application
  - Returning Student Application
  - New Student Application
- For more information on what to expect AFTER you have applied, please see our FAQs tab

For general questions about the Applied Medicine, Health Horizons, Laboratory Medicine, Nursing Care, Pharmacy, Public Health, Radiology, Respiratory Care and Translational Medicine Internship Programs, please contact: Nedra Starling at starlin@ccf.org.

Emails will be answered within three business days (Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) Emails will NOT be returned on Saturdays or Sundays. Thank you for your patience.