2024 Program Details

Application Deadline

The DoD HBCU/MI Summer Research Internship Program applications are open from October to January of every year, with awards being granted in the following spring. All applications must be submitted by January 12, 2024, 11:59 EDT.

Eligibility Requirements

  • US Citizen (no dual citizenship)
  • Currently attending an HBCU or MI
  • Majoring in a STEM academic discipline or DoD relevant discipline
  • 18 or older at the time of application
  • Full-time student or recent graduate (December 2023 or later)
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Federal ID like a REAL ID or valid US Passport
  • Successful completion of a background investigation

STEM Academic Disciplines or DoD-relevant Discipline

The program focuses on students pursuing disciplines that are relevant to functions of the DoD. The following disciplines are general umbrella disciplines – specific applicant majors or fields of study may fall under one or more disciplines on the list or not be listed. If you have a specific question about your discipline, please reach out to the help desk.

  • Science
  • Technology
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Anthropology
  • Applied and Computational Mathematics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Aviation
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Communications
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Network System Management
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering Management
  • Industrial Engineering
  • International Affairs/Relations
  • Management Information System
  • Materials Science
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Microbiology
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Science
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Premedical Psychology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Internship Timeline

  • Applications: October 15, 2023, to January 12, 2024 (11:59 PM EDT)
  • Phase 1: Eligibility Review: January 13, 2024, to February 7, 2024
  • Phase 2: Mentor Selections: February 8, 2024, to March 15, 2024
  • Phase 3: DoD Program Office Acceptance: February 10, 2024, to April 5, 2024
  • Phase 4: Background Investigation: February 15, 2024, to May 15, 2024
  • Intern Seminar: July 25, 2024, to July 26, 2024
  • Internship: May 28, 2024, to August 10, 2024

Summer Research Internship Program Dates

The program is from May 28, 2024, to August 10, 2024.

Appointments

Appointments are for a continuous period May 28, 2024, to August 10, 2024 (other than federal holidays and weekends). Applicants are required to conduct their research on site at the facility or affiliated research center. Selected applicants must be able to participate for the entire appointment period of the internship program. Exceptions may be made for military service requirements or medical requirements on a case-by- case basis, but vacation days or personal time off will not be approved. All appointments are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation.

Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week during their internship.
No leave is granted during the DoD HBCU/MI Summer Research Internship Program.

All program participants are considered guest investigators and are subject to laboratory regulations governing visiting scientists.

Stipends

DoD HBCU/MI Summer Research Internship Program participants receive a stipend of $1200/week which is paid bi-weekly.

Applicants should be aware that stipend payments from other federal funding sources—including research grants and contracts—may not be accepted during the summer appointment.

Travel or Mileage Reimbursement

Travel will be coordinated by the program for travel to the lab (at the beginning) and from the lab (at the end) of the research period. The coordinated travel may be by airplane or train. Travel will be booked by the program administrator and selected interns should NOT book travel.

While a program administrator will work with an intern to select travel dates, times, and methods, once travel is booked, it cannot be changed. Any changes made by the intern are the financial responsibility of that intern and will not be reimbursed by the program.

If a participant chooses to drive, reimbursement for expenses incurred when traveling by personal automobile in lieu of air travel for out-of-state travel may not exceed the cost the traveler would have otherwise incurred if the traveler had flown. Mileage reimbursement is a flat amount per mile. Tolls are reimbursable. No additional reimbursement expenses are included. Mileage will be verified using the departure and the destination locations.

Housing

Housing is provided and will be coordinated by the program. Housing will be booked by the program administrator and selected interns should NOT book their own housing.

Appointment Requirements

Security Clearance

Applicants may be required to obtain a security clearance to access the laboratory. This involves conducting and passing an extensive background investigation. The investigation verifies and corroborates key information and events from the applicant’s past and recent history. This may include interviews of people who know the applicant well. The investigator may conduct a face-to-face interview with the applicant as part of the process.

Patent and Inventions Disclosure

Participants are required to furnish complete information to DoD regarding any inventions first conceived or reduced to practice while a DoD Summer Research Internship Program participant and for which a patent application is filed.

Reporting

The DoD HBCU/MI Summer Research Internship Program requires that all participants to submit a poster for the Intern Seminar. At the end of their assignment in August, participants must submit an abstract of their research and program evaluation.

Additional Information

For additional information call or email the DoD HBCU/MI Summer Research Internship Program help desk.
Call Toll Free: 866-751-3402
Email Us: internsupport@dodhbcumiinternship.com