College Internships

SWCAHEC provides internships for public health, health sciences, exercise science, and health professions students searching for program practicum experiences.

College students who are interested in healthcare-related topics are welcome to apply. Students are expected to undertake a project related to the goals and objectives of the organization and to contribute to any current training sessions and/or initiatives at SWCAHEC.

The college internship program for the Spring 2025 semester is now full, but please check back on this page for upcoming announcements regarding future openings. We appreciate your interest!

For more information, email the Executive Director at info@swcahec.org or call 970-426-4284. Thank you!

Cierra Goodluck

Hello, my name is Cierra Goodluck and I come from Shiprock, New Mexico located on the Navajo Nation. I am a senior at Fort Lewis College and a Public Heath major. As for my prior experience, I have been volunteering and working alongside non-profit organizations in Shiprock such as the Healing Circle Drop-in center. I worked with the Shiprock Chapter house where I was sent to multiple locations within the community to provide my assistance in various initiatives, including organizing events, distributing resources, and supporting local programs that aim to improve the well-being of our residents. This experience allowed me to deeply connect with the community and contribute meaningfully to its development.

What do you hope to gain or learn from this internship?

As an intern here at SWCAHEC, I would like to develop skills in decision making, collaborations with current programs, networking and learning how SWCAHEC works. I would also like to learn more about the grants and program SWCAHEC works along with just to have a background of what goes on within the community of Durango and all Southwestern counties.

Deion Tso

My name is Deion Tso, and I am a first-gen college student. I am double majoring in Public Health and Health Science, with a minor in Exercise Science. I did transfer into Fort Lewis College from San Juan College, with an Associates of Science in Pre-Health Science. Previous positions I have been in are a retail service desk supervisor, hospital data entry, and a summer youth coordinator. While retail has helped me develop strong interpersonal skills, my positions in hospital data entry and summer youth coordinator have helped me strengthen my interests in Health Science and Public Health. Just as SWCAHEC is aiming to both create and strengthen a pipeline for younger health professionals, I felt my position as a summer youth coordinator was similar, but at a smaller scale. With the combinations of these different skills, I do feel confident that I can handle most projects.

What do you hope to gain or learn from this internship?

From my internship, I hope to learn about the process that project require in order to developed, refined, and finally approved to be showcased. To be more specific, I would hope to gain the skills for adaptability, especially if a project is not hitting specific deadlines. Additionally, I would like to learn more about client interactions, especially with similar organization, because while there are different methods, the overall goal is to strength rural health outcomes. One last aspect I hope learn is about cultural humility, in that how can not only strengthen rural health outcomes, but also be aware of possible cultural adjustments.

Mya Ute

My name is Mya Ute, and I’m from Pinon, Arizona, located on the Navajo Nation. I am currently pursuing a degree in Public Health at Fort Lewis College. Through my previous experience with the Summer Research Enhancement Program (SREP), a unique initiative focused on public health prevention research in Native communities, I gained valuable insights into how public health research is conducted and its impact on communities, particularly within Native populations.

What do you hope to gain or learn from this internship?

I am interested in this internship because it offers a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the public health field, with a particular focus on community development. I’m looking forward to contributing to meaningful projects and learning from experienced professionals in the field.

I hope to further enhance my skills in communication and collaboration. As well as gaining insights into how public health programs are designed, implemented, and evaluated across various sectors.

Ella Dockendorf

My name is Ella Dockendorf, and I am a senior studying Health Science at Fort Lewis College. I am from North Carolina, but I have really found a home in the Durango community. I am so excited to be interning with SWCAHEC, and to work on health initiatives in the community!