Join Team NICHQ

We are a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to driving dramatic and sustainable improvements in the complex issues facing children’s health. We provide deep expertise in building and managing effective change strategies that align partners and engage participants to achieve better outcomes for children’s health.

At the heart of what motivates us is the belief that children and families deserve better systems and supports so that every child achieves their optimal health. We believe that creating a mission-driven culture will foster greater strength and resilience within and beyond the organization.

Internships at NICHQ

The National Institute for Children’s Health Quality (NICHQ) has internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students who would like to learn about public health work in federal, state, and community settings. There are several internship opportunities at NICHQ that provide students with insight into public health programs. NICHQ offers internships in the departments of:

  • Programs
  • Communications & Digital Strategy
  • Applied Research and Evaluation (DARE)

NICHQ staff work collaboratively with each intern to create a fulfilling experience that contributes to the organization’s daily work in a meaningful way. During your time with NICHQ, you will participate in a Quality Improvement Workshop Series with other summer interns – and share your experience widely with the larger NICHQ team!

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for the 2026 Summer Internship Program have closed. Please see our Handshake Company Profile for updates. All interns must receive college credit to be considered. Internships are a minimum of 120 hours.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE MARCH 20, 2026

Have any questions? We want to help! Please review our Summer 2026 Internship Frequently Asked Questions for additional information and eligibility requirements. For additional support, please email [email protected].

Internship Descriptions

Programs

Interns will support maternal and children’s health initiative projects currently active at NICHQ. You’ll work on a team that may include a Project Director, Project Manager, Improvement Advisor, and Data Analyst, along with external partners to address factors that influence differences in children’s health outcomes across the United States. You’ll learn to utilize key documents such as project charters, measurement strategies, and driver diagrams. Expect your responsibilities to include interfacing with project participants and external partners, supporting meetings and webinars, and participating in overall project management. Additional responsibilities may include monitoring and facilitating communication with project participants through NICHQ’s online technology platform, the Community, Research, & Analytics Lab (CORAL), and/or contributing to digital communications activities, such as newsletters.

Communications & Digital Strategy

Interns will support a variety of digital marketing and communications functions at NICHQ. You’ll support a small-but-mighty team that includes our Communications Coordinators, the Web & Communications Manager, the Senior Web & Product Manager, and the Associate Director of Communications & Digital Strategy. Learn about nonprofit branding in maternal and child health while you liaise with active projects, generate content, and support any of the following key functions:

  • Content Production: Be a part of our exciting content engine, from supporting virtual events to producing segements for our newsletter, NICHQ News.
  • Social Media: Support NICHQ’s growing social media presence, contributing to content production, experiments, and campaign planning; collaborate on content strategy; dabble in paid social; help us refine our audience approaches.
  • Websites: Collaborate with NICHQ project partner teams to improve web presence and support project sites; participate in website redesign projects (WordPress environment); learn about accessibility compliance.

Department of Applied Research and Evaluation (DARE)

Interns will conduct applied research and evaluation activities related to NICHQ’s work in child and family health and well-being. You’ll work with senior members of NICHQ’s Department of Applied Research and Evaluation (DARE) team to support the execution of data and evaluation activities that complement NICHQ’s project work. You will develop knowledge around program evaluation, implementation science, and research project design, planning and implementation. Responsibilities may include survey development and deployment, review of materials and strategies to increase research participant engagement, the development of data dashboards using population-based secondary data, and conducting literature reviews.

Internship Responsibilities

You’ll be a great fit if you:

  • Are passionate about public health
  • Are seeking credit for your internship experience
  • Are interested in learning about quality improvement
  • Have excellent communications skills, both verbal and written
  • Can balance multiple tasks and prioritize, work autonomously, establish timelines, and meet deadlines
  • Work well in a team environment and can generate solutions to issues as they arise
  • Consider yourself flexible and adaptable
  • Can work productively under pressure in a fast-moving environment
  • Are interested in ongoing professional development and growth
  • Are fully committed to modeling inclusive language and behaviors

What NICHQ can offer you:

  • Training in Quality Improvement Methodology: Gain foundational knowledge of quality improvement (QI) methods, including the Breakthrough Series Collaborative model, and apply these concepts to real-world projects.
  • A Personalized Internship Experience: Participate in an internship tailored to your interests, goals, and professional development needs.
  • Mentorship and Professional Development: Access shadowing, mentoring, and training opportunities alongside experienced and knowledgeable professionals.
  • Networking Opportunities: Build relationships and expand your professional network.
  • Academic Credit: Fulfil university credit, practicum, or internship requirements.

Schedule, Duration, and Compensation

  • Start and End Date: Flexible durations between May and August
  • Flexible schedule within 9 am – 5 pm Eastern Time work week
  • The internship is currently fully remote
  • Interns must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours
  • Interns receive a stipend of up to $2,000
  • Credit for internship experience required

Eligibility Requirements (Required)

  • Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited institution
  • Be eligible to receive academic credit for the internship
  • Have completed at least two years of undergraduate coursework (or be enrolled in a graduate program) by the start of the internship
  • Be able to commit to a minimum of 120 internship hours between May and August 2026
  • Be available to work a consistent weekly schedule during the internship period, within the 9 am – 5 pm ET work week
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Have reliable internet access and the ability to work in a fully remote environment
  • Applications that do not meet these eligibility requirements will not be considered
Apply on Handshake!

EEOC Statement

NICHQ is committed to being an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.