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Health Careers Opportunity Program

HPPP Paid Summer Internship Program

This program is designed to provide hands-on, real-world experience for students exploring careers in the health professions. This paid summer experience places students in internships related to their career goals—such as clinical, research, public health, education, and more—to strengthen graduate school applications and build professional skills.

student in an optomology setting

 

Summer 2026 Application Period Has Ended

Summer 2027 applications will open in February 2027.

Program Perks:

  • Clinical, Research, or Public Health Placements
  • Community-Based & Regional Opportunities
  • Mentorship from Health Professionals
  • Resume & Interview Coaching
  • Professional Development Workshops
  • Stipend Support

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, students must meet all of the following:

  • Must be an active HPPP participant
  • Currently enrolled at Fresno State and continuing coursework in the Fall
  • Be in good academic standing (GPA 2.7 or higher recommended)
  • Must be available full-time (30-40 hours) during the 8-10 week summer internship period
  • Demonstrate an interest and commitment to a career in health, medicine, or STEM research

Application Process

  • Complete the online application
  • Submit all required documents:
    • Unofficial transcripts
    • Updated resume
  • Participate in an interview with the program coordinator and the CASA director
  • Participate in an interview with the site coordinator (selected applicants will be contacted after their first interview)

Previous & Potential Internship Sites

HPPP has partnered with various organizations to offer students real-world, career-aligned experiences. Table above includes examples of previous and potential internship sites categorized by pre-health interest:
Pre-Dental Pre-Medical Pre-Optometry Pre-Clinical Psychology / Psychology Pre-Public Health
Janzen Dental – Fresno, CA Central Valley Indian Health – Clovis, CA Central Valley Indian Health – Clovis, CA Sierra Meadows Foundation – Fresno, CA EOC Health Services – Fresno, CA
Central Valley Indian Health – Dental Services – Clovis, CA Sang Pediatrics – Fresno, CA Tzu Chi Medical Foundation – Fresno, CA Comprehensive Youth Services of Fresno – Fresno, CA Marjaree Mason Center – Fresno, CA
EOC Health Services: Dental Care – Fresno, CA United Health Centers – Fresno, CA EYE-Q - Fresno, CA Toribio Psychological Services - Fresno, CA Central Valley Health Policy Institute - Fresno, CA

Program Timeline

  • Application Opens: Early February 2027
  • Application Deadline: Late February - Early March 2027

 

  • Interviews: April 7–14, 2026
  • Program Dates: June 1 – August 7, 2026 (varies from site to site)
  • Orientation Week: May 26th and 28th, 2026

Internship Expectations

Students selected for an internship must:

  • Commit to full-time participation (30–40 hours per week)
  • Attend all mandatory orientations, trainings, and check-ins
  • Submit bi-monthly timesheets
  • Participate in professional development and advising sessions
  • Follow all placement site policies and procedures
  • Complete exit survey

Recurring Opportunities

HPPP Summer Internships are offered every summer, but internship sites, stipend amounts, and placement availability may vary year to year. Check Canvas, newsletters, or the HPPP homepage regularly for updates.

* 2025-2026 Update: All activities, funding, and support are contingent upon our funding and are subject to change at any time during the academic year at the discretion of the governor's office.