Prepare & Submit Host Site Application

Key points

  • The host site application period will be open January 14 – February 13, 2026.
  • Instructions, program contact information, and guidance is provided to help prospective host sites develop a strong work plan and navigate the application process.

How to Develop a Strong Work Plan

PHAP’s “CO-STARR” model details the key characteristics of a quality PHAP host site training experience. Prospective host sites are encouraged to consider integrating these characteristics into their work plan and activities for the host site application.

Applicants should begin their work plans well in advance of the February application opening to allow ample time for development. Please refer to the host site application timeline as needed.

Characteristic
Expanded Definition

Competency-based work activities

The work plan and program structure should build the associate’s skills and include work activities that provide opportunities for the associate to meet the PHAP competencies.

Opportunities to build skills

The associate’s work activities should provide a variety of opportunities for building public health skills over the two-year training program.

Supervisor involvement

Host site supervisors should be prepared to supervise an early-career public health professional. They should recognize potential generational differences and provide appropriate guidance. Host site supervisors are expected to devote at least 10 percent of the work week (i.e., approximately 4 hours per week) to providing direct supervision and guidance. They should be actively involved in the associate’s work.

Training, education, and development are ongoing

The host site activity plan should provide the associate with opportunities for ongoing training and development throughout the two-year assignment. Training can include instructor-led events, web-based online learning, self-paced study, independent study, one-on-one training, shadowing, etc. Training should support associates’ work activities and their attainment of the PHAP competencies.

Aligns with host site goals

The associate’s work activities should support the host site’s program goals, strategies, and outcomes.

Realistic for an early-career public health professional

Work activities should be practical and attainable for an early-career public health professional with little or no public health work experience.

Robust public health learning experience

Work activities should provide a rich, hands-on public health learning experience.

How To Apply

PHAP accepts host site applications through the Enterprise Fellowship Management System (eFMS) during the application period only.

Once a host site has been selected, PHAP provides the Host Site Agreement to Detail by email for host site signature. A signed copy of this document must be returned to PHAP prior to the associate's start date in October. (See reference below)

Please contact the PHAP helpdesk at phap@cdc.gov to:

  • ask questions about the application process
  • get assistance for technical issues with the application system
  • request access to your 2020, 2021, or 2022 host site application

Resources

PHAP Host Site Application Guidance: This document provides tips and advice for creating a quality PHAP host site application. The information is presented in the same order as the application questions in eFMS 3.0.

The Host Site Agreement to Detail is a binding agreement that the host site must sign and provide to the program before the associate's start date. It cannot be revised.

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Content Source:
Public Health Infrastructure Center; Division of Workforce Development