How do we define health? How do we promote it? These questions organize many of the opportunities, courses and events within the Health & Community Key. From medicine to biomedical research, from public health policy to self-care, how we deliver and access healthcare is a complex and layered question. Together we explore the practical, cultural and ethical underpinnings of our health systems, with hands-on opportunities at local hospitals and health departments, as well as training with faculty and health professionals conducting new research and more.
Kenyon Keys are interconnected and open for all to explore, whatever your major, class year or career interests.
Related Courses
Health and Healing
In this course, we examine the relationship between medicine, illness and healing through an intersectional and transnational approach to literature.
Community Health Coaches
In partnership with Knox Community Hospital, learn to become a health coach with the hospital’s Community Care Network.
Health Service and Biomedical Analysis
In this community-engaged learning course, volunteer as an intern at a local health-care facility, and reflect on your observations and experiences in the context of the primary biomedical literature.
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
Biological anthropology studies the biological diversity of our species and the evolutionary history that has led us to our present condition.
Med School Acceptance Rate Double the National Average
Kenyon students are accepted to medical school at twice the national average — an outcome built on a rigorous academic experience, intentional advising, consistent clinical and field experiences, and a community committed to helping every student succeed.Go Deep with Paid Research
Research takes center stage during the summer months at Kenyon, with funding for mentored research projects as early as your first year. Here are a few.
The Cascade Science Scholars program is designed for first-year and second-year students in the natural sciences who have no previous research experience. Students work for up to 10 weeks, during the summer, in close collaboration with faculty-student research teams in the natural sciences supported by the Summer Science program. Six to ten scholars are funded by the College.
Summer Science Scholars, Kenyon’s oldest student-faculty mentored summer program, supports more than 30 student-faculty pairs. The student spends up to 10 weeks in the summer to delve into research projects in the natural sciences.
Six qualified undergraduate students are selected each year for this highly competitive 10-week summer research program at the James Cancer Center at The Ohio State University. Scholars participate in groundbreaking studies and methods to advance cancer research, such as exploring strategies for metastatic cancer treatment and optimizing clinical management decisions for patients with gallbladder cancer.
Science Education and Outreach Scholars work with the Office of Community Partnerships, natural sciences faculty and local science teachers to develop and conduct targeted science programming for K-12 students. Scholars develop educational modules during the summer and carry out the work in the community the following year.
Biomedical Career Trek
Columbus, Ohio, is a healthcare hub, with a nationally ranked pediatric hospital, a leading cancer center and a growing biotech industry. During academic breaks, the Career Development Office organizes career treks where you can tour medical facilities and shadow researchers and physicians, many of them Kenyon alumni.Fast-Track Your Internship
These internship opportunities are offered exclusively to Kenyon students, many of them designed by Kenyon alumni or partner organizations. Kenyon offers funding to supplement wages or offset expenses for internships that would otherwise be out of financial reach.
The USC Childhood Cancer Research Laboratory offers a research opportunity to conduct laboratory research investigating gene imprinting and childhood brain tumor risk using California Biobank samples. Interns will work with PhD students using droplet digital PCR techniques to analyze neonatal blood spots, participate in weekly lab meetings, and gain hands-on experience in molecular biology and cancer epidemiology.
May-August 2026 | Science coursework with lab component required | $4,500 stipend
Learn about Kenyon internship funds.
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center offers a six-week rotational internship providing exposure to healthcare leadership and operations at a joint venture surgical hospital. Interns will rotate weekly with the CNO, CFO, CEO and Regional President, shadow a clinician, and complete an independent performance improvement project for hospital leadership.
June-July 2026 | 40 hours per week | Rising sophomores and juniors | $4,500 stipend | Health screening required
Learn about Kenyon internship funds.
Stonewall Columbus offers a summer internship supporting LGBTQ+ community programming, Pride festival operations, communications, or development at one of the Midwest's largest Pride organizations. Interns will choose from four focus tracks, contribute to Pride Month activities, and complete a capstone project in community programs, marketing, donor stewardship, or event operations.
May-August 2026 | 20-32 hours per week | All class years welcome | $5,000 stipend
Funding available through Kenyon internship funds.
Knox Public Health offers an internship to supervise and mentor teens (ages 14-19) in a community garden program teaching sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and life skills. Interns will lead garden maintenance, facilitate educational workshops with local experts, coordinate farmers market activities, and create an inclusive learning environment focused on food systems and youth development.
Summer 2026 | Education, agriculture, environmental science, nutrition, public health or related major | Valid driver's license required
Learn about Kenyon internship funds.
Study Public Health Abroad
If you’re interested in public health, studying abroad can give you a view into healthcare systems across countries and cultures. Here are a few programs to explore.
Danish Institute of Study Abroad
DIS Stockholm offers a unique program in public health that looks at European healthcare systems through the lens of migration. In this program, examine the complex relationship between migration and existing healthcare structures, and gain insight into migrants’ health needs and access to care.
School for International Training
In this program, examine the challenges and inequities in Argentina’s public health policy. Based in the nation’s capital, Buenos Aires, learn how the national Ministry of Health stewards a complex system. Meet with providers there and in neighboring provinces to understand different approaches to delivering care.
Clubs & Organizations
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KC Meds
KC Meds helps students explore careers in medicine by coordinating job shadows with local health professionals and providing MCAT study material and review opportunities.
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Active Minds
Active Minds is the Kenyon chapter of a nationwide organization that promotes mental health for young adults.
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Clubs Sports and Recreation
From rugby and frisbee to archery and running to recreational soccer, swim and equestrian teams, Kenyon offers more than a dozen club sports for athletes of all levels. Explore.
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Morgan’s Message
Morgan’s Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics.
