Making a Difference
The Workforce Pathways Program builds a stronger public health workforce in Washington state. Our work includes paid opportunities at the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) through:
The program aims to increase public health participation across communities in Washington state. See the paid summer internships and Pathway professionals pages to learn more about these programs.
Individuals who join the program will gain:
- Valuable experience while supporting public health projects
- Training to enhance knowledge and skills
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic intensified and highlighted longstanding health disparities and systemic inequities. The pandemic also revealed significant limitations in the public health workforce. These inequities showed an urgent need for public health systems to reflect the people they serve.
The Workforce Pathways Program reimagines workforce development in public health. This means building a more representative, resilient, and community-focused public health workforce across Washington state.
A public health workforce that reflects different lived, cultural, and linguistic experiences creates an environment that welcomes everyone and helps improve health outcomes.
Key Details
The Workforce Pathways Program:
- Provides opportunities into public health careers through paid internships, employment (Pathways professional placements), and community partnerships.
- Hires participants with lived experience, community ties, and cultural competency. Participants may be new to public health work.
- Mentors and trains future public health leaders from communities historically excluded from these systems.
Our Impact
The program strengthens the public health workforce by:
- Filling critical workforce gaps
- Developing professionals with the skills and experience needed to rebuild community trust in Washington’s public health system
- Establishing and strengthening public health career routes
As of fall 2025, the program provided:
- 28 internships at DOH
- 33 Pathways professional positions (1 or more years of employment at DOH)
- 315 scholarships through the community investment initiative
- 128 paid employment opportunities at community-based organizations or partner organizations (includes paid employment, internships, and other paid opportunities)
- Education, training, and exposure to public health and public health careers for thousands of residents in Washington state
Learn More
- Paid Summer Internships
- One-year employment opportunities as Pathway professionals
- Completed initiatives:
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about the Workforce Pathways Program, please contact us at workforcepathwaysprogram@doh.wa.gov.
Subscribe for program announcements.