Applying to Host an Associate

Key points

  • PHAP seeks host sites annually from state, tribal, local, and territorial public health agencies, and nongovernmental 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.
  • The application timeline and steps are provided for planning purposes.

Opportunities & Updates

Host Site Application

The next host site application period will open February 3 - 28, 2025.

Webinars: 2025 PHAP Host Site Application Process‎‎

View upcoming webinars for all organizations interested in applying to host a CDC public health associate from 2025 - 2027.

Overview

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.

PHAP values its partnerships with public health agencies and tribal and nongovernmental organizations that serve as host sites for public health associates. Each year, PHAP seeks host sites that can provide associates with hands-on learning opportunities for two-year public health assignments.

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

Benefits of Being a Host Site

While PHAP offers tremendous benefits to associates through training and support, the host site also receives numerous 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 and access to CDC resources

Learn more in this host site fact sheet.

Key Host Site Application Dates

General Timeline

The dates listed below are subject to change.

Dates
  • Steps
February
  • Host site application cycle typically opens for 2-4 weeks in/around February.
  • Guidelines for completing the application package will be available and a brief training on the host site application system will be given.
March-May
  • Program reviews host site applications and may request additional information
June-July
  • Program selects and matches associates to host sites
Mid-June-Late August
  • Program notifies host sites and associates of assignments
Mid-October
  • Associates report to host to begin two-year assignment
November
  • Associates attend PHAP orientation virtually or at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia

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