Held every summer, the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Summer Internship Program provides opportunities for a diverse group of Oregon high school or early college students to gain experience in the disability field, develop transferable skills, and learn about various career paths in health care. Interns receive training on disability justice, advocacy and career options.  Interns will participate in professional development sessions and tours at OHSU labs, clinics, and facilities.  

Interns participate approximately 24 hours per week in a project at one of the Institute on Development and Disability centers, gaining knowledge in research, clinical care, information dissemination, or community programs. Interns also have an opportunity to network with other interns, as well as OHSU staff and faculty. At the end of the internship, participants present about their summer experience to their cohort.  

This internship is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care, with an emphasis on disability.

For potential applicants

Internship Details:  

• Intern hours: 24 hours per week during regular business day hours  
• Internship stipend: Each intern will receive a $1,800 stipend that will be disbursed over the 8 week, 24-hour per week internship.
• Housing provided: No 
• Work experience disciplines: Our internship work experience placements change each year. Past years' disciplines have included public health education, sexual health education, assistive technology, policy and advocacy, physical therapy, psychology, diversity and inclusion, and social work.  
• Internship placement descriptions - This document has examples of placements from past internships that may be offered in the future.  

Internship Requirements:  

To qualify, applicants must -  

• be 16 years of age or older on or before the first day of the internship  
• be able to participate on summer break from high school or undergraduate college or university. Ideally undergraduates will be in their first two years of college and are still exploring career options.
• be available for the entire 8 weeks of the internship and participate 24 hours per week during regular (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) business hours 
• complete and submit internship paperwork (called on-boarding paperwork) at least 8 weeks before the start date of the internship  
• complete 3-5 hours of online training before the start of the internship  
• Please note: In compliance with Oregon law, OHSU’s COVID-19 Immunization and Education policy went into effect Oct. 18, 2021. Visitors and volunteers who have an in-person experience at OHSU must be fully vaccinated (14 days after last dose). Exception requests from visitors and volunteers will not be accepted. Please be prepared to provide proof of vaccination, or to receive a Covid-19 vaccination, as a requirement for onboarding for your in-person experience at OHSU. You will not be allowed to participate within OHSU if you are not compliant with this policy.

The following students are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Students who have a disability  
• Students with siblings or family members with a disability  
• Students who self-identify as a member of the LGBTQI+ community 
• Students from historically underrepresented groups in the health and science professions 
• Students who are first generation college students
• Students who live in Oregon