Aumua Amata says Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) Diversity Summer Internship Program available immediately for local American Samoa Students
March 28, 2008

Reprinted from Samoa News

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a 12-week summer internship program which could be a boon for local students if they apply for it immediately, says Aumua Amata. The purpose of the Diversity Summer Internship Program (DSIP) is to enhance students' knowledge about CMS programs, mission, vision and goals. It seeks to familiarize students with Federal, State and local health care programs serving underserved and uninsured populations.

Beginning as early as May 12, 2008, students may begin the 12-week DSIP, and because all applications must be received by Friday, April 4, 2008, Amata urges all interested local students to apply right away. Applications from American Samoan U.S. nationals and other minority U.S. citizens will be accepted for this program. All applicants must have a gradepoint average of 3.0 and a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits as of May 16, 2008. Students majoring in areas related to the fields of Health Care, Administration, Information Technology, Social Science, Policy, or Science should apply. More specific examples include the fields of healthcare administration, public health, business administration, accounting, math, psychology, social work, sociology, public policy, political science, public administration, or pre-med, biology and other sciences.

Applicants must also be currently enrolled in school for the fall 2008 semester in order to qualify. The salary is $13-$15 per hour for a 40-hour work week, but will vary with the different levels of education. Interns are responsible for their own living arrangements and transportation costs. Employment opportunities are available in fourteen States and Puerto Rico. Students must also indicate the date they will be available to begin the program and geographical preference, if selected.

According to Aumua Amata, there is no formal application. However, a student's package must contain a detailed resume (including social security number, date of birth and citizenship [one may be a U.S. National to be eligible!], along with an unofficial transcript. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the Department of Health and Human Services Applicant Background Survey, http://www.cdc.gov/hrmo/OMB_form.htm, and submit it with their application package.

The requested materials must be emailed as attachments to Marla Lazarus at Marla.Lazarus@cms.hhs.gov with a subject line of "Diversity Summer Internship Program."