DHSS Press Release

HEALTH EQUITY INSTITUTE OF DELAWARE OPENS SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

DOVER, Del. (Feb. 10, 2025) -The Health Equity Institute of Delaware (HEIDE) is excited to announce the full launch of HEIDE STEPS (Summer Training in Equity Program for Secondary Students) in the summer of 2025. This four-week internship is designed to teach high school students how to make a difference in their communities by learning about the social factors that affect people’s health.

HEIDE STEPS is accepting applications from high school students who will enter grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 in the fall of 2025 and want to learn more about health and fairness. By understanding how jobs, education, healthcare, neighborhoods, and community connections might impact health, participants will gain hands-on experience and make a difference in their communities.

Here is a glimpse of what HEIDE STEPS interns can expect to complete during their experience:

• Learning from experts: Students will join weekly virtual sessions and meet mentors from the Division of Public Health (DPH) to learn about important health topics.
• Real-life public health work: They will visit places like water treatment plants, restaurants, and other public health programs to see how these programs help keep communities healthy.
• Giving back to the community: Students will complete at least 20 hours of service by helping with things like neighborhood cleanups, food pantries, and school supply drives.
• Presenting their work: At the end of the program, each student will present what they learned and how they helped their community to an audience of peers and health experts.

The goal of HEIDE STEPS is to inspire students to include health equity in their future studies and careers, creating healthier communities across Delaware and beyond. High school students interested in joining can apply by visiting https://tinyurl.com/5cmck82y. Applications are open until all slots are filled, and space is limited, so students are encouraged to apply soon.

The Health Equity Institute of Delaware (HEIDE)

HEIDE is a program from the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). Its mission is to train current and future health care leaders and work with communities to solve problems that keep people from being healthy. HEIDE focuses on three main areas – training, action, and research.

HEIDE also runs programs like the “Working4Equity” lecture series, where health professionals can learn about health equity and how to improve health care for everyone. The Institute works with partners across Delaware to research and create solutions to health challenges in the state. DPH encourages organizations and community leaders to share information about HEIDE to eligible students.

For more information about HEIDE, its programs, or how to get involved, contact HEIDE.DPH@Delaware.gov.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.