Selection Process

The DoW HBCUs/MIs Summer Research Internship Program uses a four-phase selection process. Each phase is essential to confirm applicant qualifications and complete all administrative and security requirements. Applicants must complete all four phases to be accepted into the program.

Phase 1: Verification of Applicant Eligibility

Phase 1 involves a thorough review of all applications to confirm eligibility. This includes verifying the applicant’s U.S. citizenship, academic discipline, GPA, and enrollment at an eligible institution.

Eligibility Requirements include:

  • U.S. Citizenship (no dual citizenship)
  • Current enrollment in a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Minority Institution (MI)
  • Major in a STEM or DoW-relevant academic discipline
  • 18 years or older at the time of application
  • Full-time student or recent graduate (December 2025 or later)
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Possession of a Federal ID, such as a REAL ID* or a valid U.S. Passport
  • Receipt of a favorable interim background investigation

*To learn more about what a “Real ID” is, please visit the DHS website below and your state’s DMV website: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs

Only applicants who meet all eligibility requirements will progress to Phase 2.

Phase 2: Mentor Selection and Interviews

In Phase 2, mentors from participating organizations evaluate eligible applicants and may conduct interviews, though not all applicants will be interviewed. Mentors then recommend applicants for selection and issue a Partnership Agreement Form (PAF) to their chosen participant. Each applicant may sign only one PAF; if multiple PAFs are submitted, only the first received by the program administrator will be considered valid. To advance to Phase 3, the mentor must submit the signed PAF to the program administrator.

Phase 3: DoW Program Office Acceptance

In Phase 3, Partnership Agreement Forms are first reviewed for accuracy and approval. Once verified, the student receives a congratulatory letter, followed by instructions to create an account in the onboarding portal. After the account is established, the official offer letter is issued. The student must sign and return the offer letter within two business days. Applicants who sign an offer letter but later decline to participate may be disqualified from future program opportunities. While an offer letter may be issued prior to the completion of the background investigation, participation cannot begin until a favorable interim background investigation has been determined.

Phase 4: Background Investigation

Phase 4 is the background investigation. The administrative office will provide instructions and support for completing the required steps, including fingerprinting and submission of forms. Participants must begin this process immediately, as investigations may take one to three months depending on the level of clearance required. Fingerprinting and all required forms must be completed within seven business days of receipt. A favorable result is mandatory for the participant to continue in the program.

Successful completion of all four phases is required for admission into the program.

Selection Timeline

  • Phase 1: Eligibility Review: January 2026 to February 2026
  • Phase 2: Mentor Selections: February 2026 to April 2026
  • Phase 3: DoW Program Office Acceptance: February 2026 to April 2026
  • Phase 4: Background Investigations: March 2026 to May 2026

Questions

Questions regarding the selection process can be directed to internsupport@dodhbcumiinternship.com.