Social Impact Internships: Khadiza Rahman (’27)
Bridging the Gap in Public Health Benefits: My Experience with Link Health
Hello, my name is Khadiza, and I am currently a sophomore studying Computer Science and Molecular Biology. This IAP, I had the privilege of working with Link Health as a Strategy and Operations Intern. Link Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting low-income individuals with public health benefit programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Every year, an estimated $80 billion in financial assistance goes unclaimed due to barriers, including complicated application processes, application length, and limited online accessibility (Code for America, 2024). The central social issue driving my work at Link Health is the gap between eligibility and actual participation in public health benefit programs. Millions of people qualify for assistance but do not receive it, often due to difficulties navigating the system or a lack of awareness. My role at Link Health focused on understanding these challenges and identifying strategic ways to expand our services to ensure more individuals receive the benefits they deserve.
During my internship, I quickly realized that the factors influencing participation in public benefit programs are highly nuanced. Many different variables contribute to whether an eligible individual successfully enrolls, and analyzing these complexities was a key part of my work. Conducting a comprehensive analysis was challenging due to the density of information and the many intersecting factors at play. Some of the key metrics I considered included state-specific SNAP participation rates, whether application portals consolidated multiple benefit programs or required separate applications, and the overall ease of enrollment. By examining these factors, I contributed to Link Health’s strategic planning efforts, helping to identify states where our services could have the greatest impact.
Link Health employs multiple strategies for social change, primarily through direct service and community development. The organization partners with federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Boston, MA, and Houston, TX, operating both in person and remotely. At these centers, patient navigators work on the frontlines—setting up information tables, engaging with individuals, conducting eligibility screenings, and enrolling people in benefit programs on the spot. Even when immediate enrollment isn’t possible, we provide fact sheets about available benefits and refer individuals to other relevant resources.
My role focused on the broader, strategic side of social change. By analyzing expansion opportunities, I contributed to the long-term sustainability and growth of Link Health’s impact. However, I also saw the power of direct service. Some health centers sign up 20 people in a day, while others may only enroll one. But even a single successful enrollment represents a crucial victory—putting money and healthcare access into the hands of someone who needs it the most.
This experience has profoundly shaped my academic and professional aspirations. The analytical skills I developed including data analysis, strategic planning, and research are transferable to many fields. Link Health’s work has deepened my understanding of the issues affecting public health accessibility and has reinforced my desire to explore data-driven solutions that can make these systems more efficient and equitable.
Beyond the technical skills I gained, I learned valuable soft skills, including professional communication and adaptability. Throughout my time at Link Health, I had to proactively seek out information, ask questions, and refine my research approach to produce meaningful insights. These skills will undoubtedly benefit me in future academic research, professional roles, and entrepreneurial endeavors.
I am incredibly proud of the work I did with Link Health and grateful for the mentorship of my supervisors, Ben and Tim. Their guidance helped me navigate complex challenges and sharpen my analytical skills. Moving forward, I hope to stay involved in Link Health’s mission, whether through continued research, advocacy, or technology-driven solutions to improve public benefit accessibility. This experience has reinforced my passion for using data and technology to drive social impact, and I look forward to applying these lessons in my future academic and professional pursuits.
Works Cited
Wolf, Cole. “It’s Time for Government to Build a Free Digital Tax Filing Service.” Code for America, 4 May 2023, codeforamerica.org/news/its-time-for-government-to-build-a-free-digital-tax-filing-service/.
Tags: Health, Health & Medicine, IAP 2025, Social Impact Internships, Social Impact Internships 2025, Social Impact Internships IAP 2025, Tech for Good
