Undergraduate Research Intern - Cancer Research Center for Health Equity - Quit Alliance Team (Paid, Per Diem, On-Site)

Overview of Department & Mentor

Outstanding internship opportunities exist in the Cedars Sinai Cancer Research Center for Health Equity (CRCHE) to gain experience in health policy, LGBTQ+ health equity, and community organizing. This position would be placed with the Quit Alliance team aiming to reduce tobacco-related health disparities among LGBTQ+ communities of Los Angeles County by providing tobacco cessation and tobacco prevention community programming.

Role Summary & Objective

The Research Intern will gain experience in conducting policy reviews, policy implementation planning, and various forms of data collection including observational environment studies, key informant interviews, and public interview surveys.

Internship will include opportunities to participate in local LGBTQ+ events in and around the South Bay of Los Angeles County as well as advocacy day events in local jurisdictions or at the state capital.

Training will also be provided on study and survey design, fact-based and engaging community-facing health education writing, community event planning, resource development, community organizing, and presentation skills.

Role Activities & Timeline

The goal of this internship is for students to gain knowledge in the intersections of public health policy, LGBTQ+ health equity, and community organizing. With close supervision and guidance, the intern will receive hands-on experience with data collection, public health education messaging, advocacy campaigns, and policy research. At the start of the project, Alexandra will meet with the intern to provide a timeline, mentoring plan, and goals for the internship. The intern will meet weekly with Alexandra Caro to monitor progress and facilitate ongoing internship goals. The internship covers 400 hours of engagement in project-related activities to be completed over 6 months. Progress reports will be completed periodically by the intern and Alexandra at regular intervals. Progress will be evaluated by (1) completion of internship goals, (2) improved knowledge and skills, and (3) increased independence over the course of the internship. Weekly meetings will be held and the intern will be required to attend in-person activates in the community at least once (1) a month.

Months 1 to 3: Active engagement in the project begins. On-site work predominates, establishing a foundation for the internship. The intern will receive training on engaging with the community, information on policy work, and grant deliverables. Onsite community activities will begin in Month 2.

Month 3-4: Intern will have Community Involvement and Networking opportunities with both COE members and external community partners. The student will attend community events, city council meetings, and will receive training on study and survey design, fact-based and engaging community-facing health education writing, community event planning, resource development, community organizing, and presentation skills.

Month 5-6: Intern participates in community settings to connect with community members.

Guidance from Alexandra Caro continues, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. The aim is to gain deeper insights into barriers, challenges, and disparities in underrepresented communities. This part-time position calls for flexibility, with a commitment of 10-20 hours per week.

Required Education & Experience

• Must be 18 years of age or older and be enrolled in undergraduate courses at a Los Angeles County-based academic institution.
• Must reside in the greater Los Angeles area or surrounding cities while conducting all activities related to the intern appointment.

Preferred Education & Experience

• College junior/senior majoring in public health, sex/gender studies, sociology, biology or related field preferred. Proficient knowledge of LGBTQ+ culture and affirming language is required.