Health Science students interact with the community in various settings performing many activities during their undergraduate studies. However, a structured internship (s) where students collect and analyze data, and contribute to the writing of a comprehensive report for a highly diverse large city in Southern California provides them with unparalleled experience and practice, as well as hands-on skills. Four health needs assessment reports were completed from 2005 until 2012 for four local hospitals with students’ assistance. This presentation will highlight methods, benefits and lessons learned in engaging students in the health needs assessment of their community.