HPV PEER Educator

Internship Opportunity

PEER is a grant awarded from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities to the Kaiser Permanente Foundation for Health Research, with OSBHA as a partner. As a HPV PEER Educator Intern, the focal point is on HPV, cancer prevention, and HPV vaccination through peer-to-peer education, specifically by working collaboratively with school-based health centers and local schools in the Portland Metropolitan area. Too few people are vaccinated for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can prevent tens of thousands of deaths from cancer each year, so the goal is to increase knowledge, confidence, and intent regarding HPV prevention and vaccination with the support of school-based health centers.

What do the HPV PEER Educator Interns do?

  • Design and organize a culturally-responsive HPV health promotion presentation and outreach materials

  • Coordinate presentation and outreach materials with other HPV PEER Interns (6 in total)

  • Facilitate and lead in-person HPV education presentations and virtual meetings with youth and adults

  • Monitor and assist in data collection of surveys from audiences

  • Collaborate with OSBHA staff and other interns on organization projects and events throughout the internship

How do I become a HPV PEER Educator Intern?

You can find the detailed job description here. Please email jobs@osbha.org with the subject line “HPV PEER Educator Application” before June 30, 2025 at 5pm PDT with 4 attachments: your resume, answers to the supplemental questions as a PDF document, 3 references, and any accommodation needs you have to perform the essential duties.

Benefits of becoming a HPV PEER Educator

  • Leadership opportunities

  • Positive impact on your community

  • Relationship and team-building skills

  • Public speaking and research skills

  • Deepened understanding of HPV vaccination, cancer prevention, and health education

  • Contribute to a research study!


FAQ: HPV PEER Educator

Who is eligible to apply?

High school and college aged youth between 16-24 years old in the Portland tri-county area (Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington) who are interested in peer-to-peer health education, cancer prevention, and healthcare access for youth.

What is the time commitment?

The HPV PEER Educator Internship requires 5 hours/week. 2 hours will be dedicated to weekly, mandatory meetings on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30 with other interns (6 will be hired in total) and the School Health Analyst. Presentations are in-person and dates vary throughout the school year. Each presentation requires a pair of interns (2) based on schedules. The remaining three hours are independent work or attending other OSBHA meetings.

Would having another part time job get in the way of the internship potentially?

We have had interns balance other commitments, so it is up to you and your capacity. Tuesday meetings from 4:30-6:30pm are required, but OSBHA will work with you and your schedule for the remaining hours, including in-person presentations, so there is a balance. Communication will be key in keeping OSBHA informed on scheduling and other responsibilities.

I don’t know a lot about HPV, vaccines, and/or cancer prevention. Can I still apply?

Yes! We believe passion and willingness to learn are two key components in being a successful intern. Plus, you’ll be under the guidance and mentorship of the School Health Analyst who will provide the support, training and education to accomplish the goals of the internship.

I have accessibility needs, will you be providing accommodations?

Yes! We ask that you send us your accessibility needs along with your resume, answers to the supplemental questions, and references. We will make sure you have what you need to be successful in applying and beyond.

I’ve applied. Now what?

OSBHA will look at submissions from the application form once the deadline has closed on June 30th at 5pm PDT, and we will reach out to you the following week on next steps.

How will I get paid? Do I need a bank account?

Interns earn $20/hr and are paid on the last Friday of each month. You need a bank account for direct deposit, but we can mail a check if you do not have one. 

Who should I contact for further information?

For questions or more information please contact Hannah Smith, the School Health Analyst, at hannah@osbha.org.

Resume Resources

For resume writing, there are some tips for youth writing their first resume and young people with disabilities, plus general resources online. There are templates on Google, Microsoft, and other resume builders. Another great support offered might be at your local library!

If you need an accommodation in completing the application, please email hannah@osbha.org with what support is needed.