Abstract 6185: Integrating internships into the CaRE2 Health Equity Center: A pathway for developing future health equity leaders
Authors: Nazleen Del Rio, Brooke Hensel, Ileana Guzman, Eduardo Ibarra, Carolina Aristizabal, Rosa Barahona, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, Mariana Stern, John Luque, Sandra Suther, Fern J. Webb
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

The CaRE2 Health Equity Center’s Community Outreach Core (COC) provides internships to prepare students for meaningful careers in cancer health disparities by bridging classroom learning with community work. These internships equipped students with skills in data analysis, community outreach, cancer health education, and cultural humility. Tailored internships provide a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in health equity research focused on eliminating cancer health disparities. As a full-time intern, one of my first activities was to create a work plan to include objectives, goals and anticipated deliverables of my internship. My orientation included completing ethics training and joining institutionally-approved research studies. I worked directly with community partners and received mentorship from leading scientists and researchers. I helped plan and implement health promotion programs, create materials and organize events designed to increase knowledge about cancer screening, treatment and prevention. I also contributed to outreach activities and analyzed program data which strengthened my skills and broader network in community health. My internship provided me with a comprehensive understanding of health disparities work, preparing me to make a lasting difference in the field. The internship aimed to yield lasting benefits by equipping aspiring health equity advocates with practical skills and opportunities to work directly with others committed to community impact. Interns are encouraged to share their innovative ideas and perspectives on CaRE2’s projects, further enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of its initiatives to meet community needs. Looking to the future, expanding CaRE2’s internship program to include students from all partner institutions Florida A&amp;M University, the University of Florida, and the University of Southern California would further enhance the Center’s capacity to conduct research studies and educational programs. Currently, Florida A&amp;M University hosts two 12-week public health internships annually with COC. Overall, interns contribute skills that support COC’s aims: increase the number of people informed and prepared to advocate for cancer research (aim 1), share information that increases awareness and knowledge about cancer prevention, screening and ongoing research (aim 2); and provides additional opportunities to disseminate cancer-related information. Internships like those offered by CaRE2 empower students to engage in health equity. These experiences prepare interns to carry forward culturally sensitive approaches, strengthening CaRE2’s legacy and contributions to a more inclusive healthcare future. For others considering an internship, seek programs with diverse, hands-on opportunities that are designed to help you define your career path and make a meaningful difference. Citation Format: Nazleen Del Rio, Brooke Hensel, Ileana Guzman, Eduardo Ibarra, Carolina Aristizabal, Rosa Barahona, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, Mariana Stern, John Luque, Sandra Suther, Fern J. Webb. Integrating internships into the CaRE2 Health Equity Center: A pathway for developing future health equity leaders [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 6185.