Join Our Internship Program: Promoting Health Equity and Social Justice with LAS

Program Overview:

• Organization: Lakay Acces Sante (LAS) – Dedicated to promoting health equity and social justice through community initiatives.

Internship Type: Hybrid Mode – Combination of remote work and onsite participation as needed

Duration: Flexible, typically 8-12 weeks or tailored to fit academic schedules

Program Components

1. Orientation and Training:
   • Comprehensive introduction to LAS’s mission, goals, and ongoing projects.
   • Training on building and integrating trauma-conscious engagement, communicating health risks, and cultural sensitivity.
2. Project Assignments:
   • Interns will be assigned to specific projects aligned with LAS’s annual goals. Projects may include:
     • Conducting literature reviews or data analysis for the Comprehensive Health Needs Survey.
     • Assisting in the development of culturally tailored health education materials.
     • Contributing to advocacy efforts through research and policy analysis.
3. Mentorship:
   • Each intern will be paired with a mentor from LAS’s team, providing guidance and support throughout the internship.
   • Regular feedback sessions to review progress and provide professional development guidance.
4. Hybrid Work Environment:
   • Interns will have the flexibility to work remotely on research, writing, and data analysis tasks.
   • Opportunities to participate in onsite activities such as community health screenings, workshops, and events (if feasible and safe).
5. Learning and Development:
   • Participation in webinars, workshops, and seminars organized by LAS and partner organizations.
   • Access to resources for further learning in public health, advocacy, and community health outreach.
6. Final Presentation:
   • Interns will prepare and deliver a final presentation summarizing their project findings, contributions, and recommendations.
   • Opportunity to receive feedback from LAS staff and stakeholders.

Potential Internship Roles

Here is an outline of potential roles that interns can choose from to apply their knowledge while refining their skills and competencies with hands-on experience in public health.

1. Health Needs Survey:
   • Objective: Assist in conducting a Comprehensive Health Needs Survey among Haitian immigrant communities in New Jersey.
   • Actions:
     • Help develop survey instruments in collaboration with community stakeholders and experts.
     • Participate in survey administration and data collection efforts.
     • Contribute to data analysis and preparation of survey findings reports.
2. Advocacy and Policy:
   • Objective: Support advocacy efforts aimed at influencing policies for Haitian immigrants’ health equity and social justice.
   • Actions:
     • Research policy issues affecting immigrant health at local, state, and national levels.
     • Assist in advocacy campaigns, including engaging with policymakers and advocacy groups.
     • Contribute to drafting policy briefs, advocacy papers, and grant proposals.
3. Health Education and Outreach:
   • Objective: Assist in promoting health literacy and preventive care through culturally tailored education and outreach.
   • Actions:
     • Help develop health education materials in Haitian Creole and English.
     • Support the organization of workshops, webinars, and community events.
     • Collaborate with social service organizations to disseminate health information.
4. Community Health Screening:
   • Objective: Support efforts to provide accessible health screenings and early intervention services.
   • Actions:
     • Assist in organizing health screening events in communities with high Haitian immigrant populations.
     • Coordinate logistics and participant outreach for screening events.
     • Help facilitate referrals for follow-up care and services.
5. Mental Health Support Services :
   • Objective: Contribute to addressing mental health needs within the Haitian immigrant community.
   • Actions:
     • Assist in establishing partnerships with mental health providers and counselors.
     • Help organize educational workshops on mental health awareness and coping strategies.
     • Support referrals and follow-ups for individuals seeking mental health services.
6. Grant Writing and Development:
   • Objective: Assist in writing grant proposals and seeking funding opportunities for LAS’s initiatives.
   • Actions:
     • Research grant opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and other sources.
     • Support the writing and submission of grant proposals and reports.
     • Help maintain relationships with donors and stakeholders.
7. Communications and Social Media:
   • Objective: Enhance LAS’s visibility and engagement through communication and social media efforts.
   • Actions:
     • Manage social media platforms and create engaging content.
     • Assist in preparing newsletters, press releases, and promotional materials.
     • Support outreach campaigns and community engagement initiatives.
8. Public Benefits Assistance:
   • Objective: Help Haitian immigrants access essential public services and benefits.
   • Actions:
     • Provide guidance and support to immigrants navigating public benefits applications.
     • Assist in conducting outreach to inform immigrants about available resources.
     • Help maintain resource directories and referral networks.

Benefits for Interns

• Hands-on Experience: Gain practical experience in public health program implementation, advocacy, and community outreach.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals in public health, community advocacy, and healthcare services.
• Professional Development: Enhance skills in research, project management, cultural competency, and effective communication.
• Impactful Work: Contribute to initiatives that directly improve health outcomes and social justice.

Application Process

• Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students with a passion for public health.
• Application Requirements: Resume/CV, a cover letter explaining interest and relevant skills, and academic transcript (unofficial accepted).
• Selection Process: Interview with LAS staff to assess fit and interest in LAS’s mission and goals.

Conclusion

This internship program is structured to foster students’ growth in a broad range of public health competencies through engagement in meaningful initiatives that address real community needs. The hybrid mode allows flexibility while ensuring interns gain valuable hands-on experience and contribute to LAS’s mission of advancing health equity and social justice for vulnerable populations, including Haitian immigrants.

Join LAS to gain valuable experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and advance health equity for Haitian immigrants in New Jersey. Apply now and be part of a team committed to making a difference.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today at LAS Internship Program with your resume, cover letter, and transcript. There is no application deadline for now. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow professionally while serving our community.