If you’re passionate about public health evaluation and want to turn data into meaningful action, the CDC Evaluation Fellowship Program (EFP) could be your next big step. Designed for early- and mid-career professionals, this prestigious two-year fellowship enables fellows to develop practical evaluation skills while enhancing public health programs nationwide.
In this blog, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the CDC Evaluation Fellowship Program, including eligibility, benefits, application steps, key dates, and career outcomes—using clear SEO-friendly transitions and minimal passive voice for easy reading.
What Is the CDC Evaluation Fellowship Program?
The CDC Evaluation Fellowship Program (EFP) is a two-year, full-time public health fellowship that focuses on making program evaluation a standard practice in public health. Since its launch in 2011, the program has trained more than 200 evaluation professionals who now work across federal agencies, state and local health departments, nonprofits, and public health contractors.
Rather than learning evaluation in theory alone, fellows actively design, implement, and improve evaluation activities within CDC host programs. As a result, fellows gain hands-on experience that directly improves public health outcomes.
Who Should Apply for the CDC Evaluation Fellowship Program?
The program targets professionals who already hold a doctoral or master’s degree and want to deepen their evaluation expertise. Ideal candidates often come from backgrounds such as:
- Public health
- Behavioral sciences
- Social sciences
- Evaluation or research methods
- Health policy or related fields
Additionally, successful applicants demonstrate a strong interest in using evaluation to improve public health programs, especially those serving diverse communities.
What Fellows Do During the Two-Year Program
Once matched with a CDC host program, fellows immediately begin meaningful work. Throughout the fellowship, participants typically:
- Evaluate CDC-operated or CDC-funded programs
- Support programs at state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) health departments
- Build evaluation capacity within teams
- Monitor program performance and outcomes
- Contribute to data-informed program design
Meanwhile, fellows receive specialized training, mentorship, and professional development funding, which strengthens both technical and leadership skills.
Key Benefits of the Evaluation Fellowship Program
The CDC Evaluation Fellowship Program offers far more than a job placement. Instead, it delivers a comprehensive professional growth experience.
Professional Development
Fellows gain access to targeted training, evaluation tools, and learning resources that support long-term career growth.
Real-World Impact
Rather than working on hypothetical projects, fellows influence real public health programs that affect communities nationwide.
Career Advancement
Many graduates secure evaluation-related roles in public health agencies, nonprofits, and consulting firms. Others pursue advanced degrees in public health or related fields.
Eligibility Requirements You Must Meet
Before applying, ensure you meet all basic program requirements. To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant field
- Commit to a two-year, full-time fellowship
- Be willing to relocate to the assignment location
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Green card must remain valid for at least two years from mid-August 2026
Meeting these requirements early will save time and improve your chances of success.
Career Outcomes After the Fellowship
Graduates of the CDC Evaluation Fellowship Program go on to impactful careers. Many work in:
- State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments
- Nonprofit public health organizations
- Federal contractors and consulting firms
- Advanced academic programs in public health
Because evaluation skills remain in high demand, EFP alumni often enjoy strong job stability and advancement opportunities.
If you want to turn data into action, improve public health systems, and grow as an evaluation professional, the CDC Evaluation Fellowship Program offers a powerful opportunity. Through hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and national-level impact, the fellowship prepares you to lead evaluation efforts that truly matter. APPLY
For questions or additional information, contact the program directly at [email protected].
