Note: This opportunity is ONLY for Bengali-speaking high school students in New York City.
Location: Hybrid (Brooklyn, New York)
Position Type: Summer Internship / Youth Research Program
Duration: 8 Weeks (Summer 2026)
About the Program
The MAP-CH Youth Program is an 8-week summer internship designed for motivated Bengali-speaking high school students interested in health sciences, community health, nutrition, oral health, and research.
Participants will contribute to MAP-CH, an NIH-funded public health initiative focused on improving nutrition and oral health among South Asian families in New York City. Students will gain exposure to real-world public health research while developing valuable academic and professional skills.
This is an excellent opportunity for students considering careers in medicine, public health, research, healthcare, psychology, sociology, nutrition, or community advocacy.
What You'll Learn
Throughout the program, students will receive training in:
- Research methods
- Research ethics
- Scientific writing
- Qualitative research
- Qualitative data analysis
- Social determinants of health
- Community outreach and engagement
- Oral health and nutrition challenges affecting South Asian communities
Program Highlights
- Participate in an NIH-funded research project
- Build your résumé and college applications
- Learn from experienced public health researchers
- Gain hands-on exposure to community-based research
- Develop communication and leadership skills
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a rising high school junior or senior for Summer 2026
- Be fluent in Bangla
- Have strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Have strong connections/ties to the New York City South Asian community
- Experience in community engagement with the NYC South Asian community is a plus (could be through volunteering, non-profits, etc).
About the Research Team
The program is led by Dr. Alison Karasz, Professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. Dr. Karasz has worked with New York City's South Asian community for nearly three decades and is the founder of Sapna NYC, a nonprofit supporting South Asian immigrant women and families. The MAP-CH project seeks to address important oral health and nutrition challenges affecting South Asian children and families.
How to Apply
Interested students should submit:
- Name
- Resume
- Brief statement of interest (150–300 words)
For questions or to apply, contact:
Adiba Islam
[email protected]
Pay: $150.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Brooklyn, NY 11205
