Applying to Host an Associate

Key points

  • PHAP seeks host sites annually from state, tribal, local, and territorial public health agencies, and non-governmental organizations to place associates in two-year assignments.
  • Host sites benefit from a unique partnership with CDC to develop the nation's next generation of public health professionals and gain capacity to serve communities and respond to public health threats.
  • The application timeline is available here for planning purposes.

Open Applications & Updates

  • CDC's Public Health Associate Program 2026 host site application is closed.

Overview

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A person stands next to a flowing creek. They hold a bottle collecting water from a pipe on the opposite bank.
A Public Health Associate collects water samples from a roadside spring.

Each year, PHAP seeks host sites that can provide associates with field-based learning opportunities throughout the two-year public health assignment.

PHAP places early-career public health professionals in state, tribal, local, and territorial public health agencies, and non-governmental organizations—such as community-based organizations, public health institutes and associations, and academic institutions—to support the host site agency while allowing associates to gain broad experience in public health program delivery.

Benefits of Being a Host Site

Host sites receive many benefits, including:

  • CDC-funded associates who are well-rounded, energetic, flexible, early-career individuals bringing valuable skills to host agencies
  • A unique partnership with CDC to develop the nation's next generation of public health professionals
  • Online learning opportunities for host site supervisors
  • Increased organizational resources to serve communities and respond to public health threats

Key Host Site Application Dates

General Timeline

The dates listed below are subject to change.

Dates
Steps
January–February
Host site application cycle opens for 2–4 weeks. See the Prepare & Submit Host Site Application page for help completing your application package.
Late March–Early April

PHAP reviews host site applications and may request additional information.

April–May
PHAP selects and matches associates to host sites.
June–July
PHAP notifies host sites and associates of assignments.
August/September
Associates report to host sites to begin two-year assignment.
October/November
Associates attend a week-long PHAP orientation virtually or at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact the PHAP helpdesk.

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