“Truly a phenomenal program and a fantastic opportunity. I am so lucky to have been able to participate in this program.” — Former Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Intern
Kickstart your MCH career with a 10-week, paid internship — plus mentorship and expert support.
Starting December 15, The National MCH Workforce Development Center will be accepting student applications for the 2026 Title V MCH Internship Program!
For the upcoming program, only in-person internship placements will be available. Accepted students will work as part of a two-intern team to complete a 10-week project at a state or jurisdictional Title V agency.
Student applications are due January 26, 2026.
Information Session
Join us Thursday, October 16 at 4-5 p.m. ET for an information session! Learn more about this paid, in-person internship opportunity.
What is Title V?
The Title V MCH Services Block Grant funds state and jurisdictional agencies (typically health departments) to improve public health systems for MCH populations. Learn more about the Title V Block Grant and how it helps mothers, children (including children with special health care needs), and their families.
The aim of the Title V MCH Internship Program is to provide future MCH professionals with experience working in state and jurisdictional Title V agencies under the mentorship and guidance of Title V agency preceptors.
Why apply?
As a Title V MCH Intern, you will have the opportunity to:
- Collaborate on a meaningful, 10-week project with another student as part of a team of two interns. Undergraduate students are always paired with graduate students.
- Learn about the MCH system of care and complete a project focused on improving the health of women, children, families, or communities in your assigned state or jurisdiction.
- Network with MCH leaders and connect with students from other MCH training programs.
- Receive mentorship and training in key skill areas, including change management, adaptive leadership, systems thinking, evidence-based decision making, and engagement with families and communities.
- Apply your internship experience toward your academic program’s Applied Practice Experience or practicum requirement.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students are eligible to apply if they are:
- Enrolled in one of the following MCH training programs:
- Centers of Excellence (CoE) in MCH Education, Science, and Practice
- MCH Public Health Catalyst Program
- MCH Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (LEAP) Program
- Planning to re-enroll in their academic program for the fall 2026 semester AND/OR their participation in the Title V MCH Internship Program is needed to meet an academic requirement (e.g. Applied Practice Experience).
- U.S. citizens or U.S permanent residents.
What types of projects do students work on?
Each state and jurisdiction selects a 10-week project that they would like an intern team to complete. At the start of the internship and with the support of the internship program staff, you and your partner will develop a plan for how to complete the project.
Most projects involve two to three objectives, which might include deliverables such as:
- A literature review or landscape analysis.
- Development of data collection instruments (interview guides, focus group facilitation guides, or surveys).
- Data collection (implementing interviews, focus groups, or surveys).
- Data analysis (qualitative or quantitative) or data visualization.
- Development of communication plans and materials.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to identify the projects you are most interested in. For more detailed examples of projects, see the list of projects completed by our 2025 intern teams.
In addition to your team’s project, your preceptor may suggest additional individual projects you can participate in, depending on your interest, time, and available resources.
How is the internship program structured?
Commitment
The internship program will start June 8, 2026, and last 10 weeks, through August 14, 2026. If you are on an academic calendar that does not allow for a June 8 start date, you may start June 15, 2026, and finish August 21, 2026.
You will be expected to work 34-38 hours per week, during your host agency’s regular business hours. In addition to completing project work, you will be expected to attend weekly virtual trainings offered by our Center.
Stipend
All interns will receive an internship stipend of $5,000. If you are accepted as an intern, the National MCH Workforce Development Center will help you complete the required paperwork in May 2026. Please note, the stipends are usually received during the month of June.
Housing
The 2026 program will be in person only. Students are expected to secure their own housing and transportation. If you are selected for an internship, the state Title V agency will provide a few resources for housing, but we encourage you to look on your own. In addition to the internship stipend, interns may also receive a housing stipend.
How can I apply?
Student applications will open on December 15, 2025. Applications will be due by January 26, 2026. Application components will include:
- A completed recommendation from an academic advisor or supervisor.
- An online application.
- A two-page personal statement.
- A resume/CV.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Reach out to our team at TitleVInternship@unc.edu.