Exciting Opportunities for Summer Internships at DoD HBCUs/MI

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the DOD HBCU MI Summer Research Program
3. Objectives of the Internship Program
4. Selection Process
5. Eligibility Requirements
6. Application Deadline and Program Dates
7. Program Logistics
   • Travel
   • Housing
   • Stipends
   • Transportation
8. Mentorship and Responsibilities
9. Background Investigation and Security Clearance
10. FAQ

Introduction

Welcome to the 2023 DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program information session! In this session, we will provide You with a brief overview of this competitive summer internship opportunity for college students, supported by the U.S Department of Defense (DOD). The DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program aims to provide HBCU Mi students with a chance to explore their STEM careers, gain real-world experience, and conduct research Relevant to the defense mission in state-of-the-art DOD facilities. This article will guide you through the program's objectives, selection process, eligibility requirements, program logistics, mentorship, security clearance, and more.

Overview of the DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program

The DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program is a competitive 10-week internship opportunity for college students, supported by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Research Technology and Laboratories and administered by the Department of the Army. This program aims to bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world experiences, giving interns a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their STEM disciplines within a DOD research facility. By participating in this program, interns not only get valuable research experience but also gain insights into the operations of the DOD.

Objectives of the Internship Program

The four main objectives of the DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program are:

1. Including HBCU Mi students and recent graduates in DOD research activities: The program aims to provide opportunities for underrepresented minority students to contribute to DOD research endeavors.

2. Increasing the visibility of DOD program activities and opportunities: By participating in this program, interns and graduates can increase their awareness of the various initiatives and career opportunities within the DOD.

3. Ensuring program participants are trained, mentored, and equipped for STEM careers: Interns in the program will receive personal mentorship from experienced DOD STEM professionals, enabling them to gain valuable skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers in STEM.

4. Increasing the number of graduates, including underrepresented minorities, in STEM fields important to the defense mission: The program aims to address the underrepresentation of minority groups in STEM fields by providing support, guidance, and opportunities to talented individuals.

Selection Process

The DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program selection process consists of three phases:

1. Phase One: Eligibility Verification - During this phase, applicants' eligibility will be verified to ensure they meet the program requirements.

2. Phase Two: Application Review and Mentor Interview - In this phase, applicants' applications will undergo review, and selected candidates will be interviewed by mentors. The mentor interview plays a crucial role in assessing candidates' suitability for the program.

3. Phase Three: Final Program Selection and Acceptance - The final phase involves the selection and acceptance of candidates into the program Based on their qualifications, interviews, and overall fit with the program's objectives.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen with no dual citizenship permitted.
• Be pursuing a STEM academic discipline or a DOD relevant discipline.
• Be full-time students or recent graduates from an accredited HBCU Mi in the U.S or its territories.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 Scale.
• Submit valid college transcripts that include the applicant's name, name of the institution, field of study, and GPA.
• Fall transcripts must be submitted for first-time, first-semester college students.
• Transcripts from fall 2022, summer 2022, or spring 2022 are accepted for other applicants.

Application Deadline and Program Dates

The application deadline for the DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program is January 6, 2023, at 11:59 Pacific time. The program's 10-week duration is from May 31st to August 12, 2023. Interns will be required to report to their work site on Monday, June 5, 2023, and the last workday of the internship is on Friday, August 11, 2023. It is important for applicants to plan their summer accordingly, as no leave or vacation days will be granted during the program.

Program Logistics

The DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program covers various logistical aspects to ensure a smooth and enriching experience for interns. The following are some key considerations:

Travel

Interns will be responsible for their travel to the internship site, with travel arrangements and mileage reimbursement coordinated by the program. The dislocation fee provided aims to assist interns with expenses such as airport parking, transportation to and from the airport, hotel, school, baggage fees, tolls, taxi services, and meals.

Housing

Single room housing is provided for the duration of the internship. Housing costs are covered by the program and not the intern. The Type of housing will depend on the location, with options including military dorms, extended stay hotels, or university dorms.

Stipends

Interns will receive a stipend of $1,200 per week, for a total of $12,000 if they complete the full 10 weeks of the internship.

Transportation

Interns are responsible for their daily transportation to and from the lab or base. The dislocation amount or stipend provided can be utilized to cover these costs.

Mentorship and Responsibilities

Mentorship is a crucial aspect of the DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program. Interns will be assigned mentors who are experienced DOD STEM professionals. The mentors will guide and provide mentorship to interns throughout the program. Mentor responsibilities include orientation to the research project, work environment, lab personnel, and weekly engagements. It is important for interns to maintain open communication with their mentors, act and dress professionally, Create a final presentation or abstract, and dedicate 40 hours per week to their research work.

Background Investigation and Security Clearance

All appointments for the DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program are contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation. Selected applicants may require security clearance to access their workplace. The background investigation includes interviews with people who know the applicant well and may also involve a face-to-face interview with the applicant.

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of the DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program? A: The program aims to provide HBCU Mi students with a summer internship opportunity in DOD research facilities to explore their STEM talents, gain real-world experience, and conduct research relevant to the defense mission.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the program? A: Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, pursuing a STEM or DOD-relevant discipline, full-time students or recent graduates from accredited HBCU Mi institutions with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Q: How is the program selection process conducted? A: The selection process consists of three phases: eligibility verification, application review and mentor interview, and final program selection and acceptance.

Q: Will interns receive financial support during the program? A: Yes, interns will receive a stipend of $1,200 per week for the entire duration of the 10-week program.

Q: Are travel expenses covered by the program? A: Interns are responsible for their travel to the internship site, but the program provides a dislocation fee for reimbursement of expenses such as airport parking, transportation, and meals.

Q: What is the responsibility of mentors in the program? A: Mentors will provide guidance and mentorship to the interns throughout the program, offering orientation to the research project, work environment, and lab personnel.

Q: Are there any security clearance requirements for the program? A: Yes, selected interns may require security clearance, and all appointments are subject to a background investigation.

Q: Can vacation days or personal time off be approved during the program? A: No, vacation days or personal time off will not be approved during the DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program.

Q: How can I contact the program's help desk for further questions? A: For any further questions, please reach out to the help desk, the contact details of which are provided in the session materials.

Thank you for joining this session on the DOD HBCU Mi Summer Research Program! We hope it has provided you with valuable information about this exciting opportunity.