Bringing awareness to the nation that the value of students at HBCU/MIs is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge within the STEM field.

Students attending HBCU/MIs are primed to provide the research rigor and academic acumen
necessary to address high-risk science and technology challenges.
STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS
The Student Internship Program (SIP) provides an opportunity for students to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer.
Within the SIP portfolio there are a total of ten distinctively unique internship programs representing a cross section of career paths across the Naval Research Establishment (NRE), Naval Research & Development Establishment (NRDE), and other supporting naval agencies and organizations.
Over the duration of their summer internship each intern will receive a work stipend. Additionally many are eligible for travel relocation and housing stipends.

Student Internship Programs

  • All
  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS (USMC)

Students participating in the USMC HBCU/MI Internship Program will have the opportunity to work on problems involving applications of expeditionary vehicles, amphibious operations and tactical systems to name a few.

NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVSEA)

Interested students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs attending the nation’s HBCU/MI compete for the opportunity to participate in a 10 week internship where they work directly with the NAVSEA’s technical professionals to design and develop innovative solutions to meet any challenge.

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVAIR)

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) HBCU/MI Program provides an opportunity for students to participate in research related to naval aviation at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer for 6 – 8 weeks.

U.S. NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY (NRL) 

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Internship Program provides an opportunity for talented students to conduct state of the art research relevant to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Navy (DoN).

NAVY BUREAU OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY (BUMED)

Selected interns will be introduced to the numerous career opportunities offered in Navy Medicine as well as experience technical, hands-on training at the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) Silver Spring, MD.

NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVWAR)

Interested computer science/engineering students attending the nation’s HBCU/MIs compete for the opportunity to participate in a 6 – 7 month dual program where they work in teams, directly with NAVWAR Enterprise technical professionals, on mission-critical cyber-related initiatives.

NAVY FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVFAC)

Students pursuing STEM degrees in architecture and engineering while attending the nation’s HBCU/MIs compete for the opportunity to participate in an 8-week, in-person, full time program where they will work on relevant STEM projects and activities directly with NAVFAC technical professionals in teams.

NAVAL SUPPLY SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVSUP)

Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Internship Program provides an opportunity for students to participate in a paid internship related to naval Data Science and Logistics Engineering at a Department of Navy facility for 8-10 weeks during the summer.

NAVY JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL (JAG) CORPS

As a Navy JAG Corps intern, you’ll be assigned to a legal command/staff and gain experience in traditional Navy JAG Corps practice areas such as: military justice (criminal prosecution and defense), legal assistance (providing general legal advice to Sailors and their families), and command services (advising military commanders and their staffs).

STRATEGIC SYSTEMS PROGRAMS (SSP)

Selected student interns will participate in 10-week program coordinated by the SSP HBCU/MI Cohort and championed by the SSP Chief Engineer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of research will I be doing?

It depends on which program you choose. Research projects vary every year, but every effort is made for appropriate interest and alignment.

Do I need prior research experience to be eligible to participate?

Prior research is certainly recommended, but not required. If you have no laboratory experience but exhibit a strong interest in research, you should still consider applying.

How long does the security clearance process take?

It can vary, but typically between one to three months based on timely submittal of requested paperwork.

Are there opportunities for employment post-internship?

Employment is not guaranteed, but some interns have been very productive and have been offered employment as a permanent employee. The internship programs are considered pipeline opportunities, with the intent of introducing qualified students to Navy civilian careers.

When does the application period open?

The DoN HBCU/MI Summer Internship Program application period opens annually on August 26th.

When does the application period close?

The DoN HBCU/MI Summer Internship Program application period closes annually on November 8th,at 11:59 EDT.

What can I expect after I apply?

After your application is submitted, the DoN  team will process and forward application to the selected programs for review. Program mentors will review applications, some may request phone interviews. When a mentor makes a decision, the applicant is considered pre-selected. A pre-selected student means a mentor has chosen you based on your application material. This does not constitute acceptance into the program.

Where can I find out more about what is required to apply?

Each internship program has its own page. You can visit the page and the find information on the program and individual requirements needed to apply.

If I start my application but need to pause to gather more information, may I?

Yes. You can pause your application and come back later to finish.  You will have until the deadline to complete or make changes to your application.

Are students from any university/college eligible to apply?

Students must be either enrolled or recently graduated from any HBCU-, HSI-, or MSI-designated institutions to qualify for this internship.

Can I qualify for the internship if I am not a US Citizen?

No. You must be a US Citizen to participate in the DoN HBCU/MI Student Internship Program.

Is there a paper application I can use?

No, the application is only available online.

I’m interested in applying to this internship but would like to know the duration of the program?

The program duration varies depending on which one you select. Please visit the program page for more details.

How long after I apply does it take to hear back about the internship program decision?

The selectees will be notifier via email the second week of December. Emails and updates are sent out to selected and non-selected candidates.

For research facility selection, sites like NAVWAR and NAVSUP that have multiple locations, am I able to actively choose which lab location I apply to?

Yes. You may select the labs you are interested in on the application and labs with multiple locations make every effort to accommodate. However, assignment of interns to specific locations is at the discretion of the mentor.

Where is the location of the program and where it will take place?

The location of your internship will depend on which labs you select on the application and whether those labs select you. If you are selected, a welcome package will be sent that includes the exact lab location, travel arrangements, and housing for the internship program.

Who provides the housing?

The DoN Student Internship Programs provide a housing allowance to most interns. The intern will be responsible for securing their own housing. Please see the individual program page for specifics.

Do I have to make my own travel arrangements from my home or school to the lab location?

Yes. DoN Student Internship Programs provide a travel allowance for those relocating greater than 50 miles from their home. It is the responsibility of the intern to make necessary arrangements. Please see the individual program page for specifics.

Please confirm if I am responsible for daily travel back and forth from the housing location to the lab or host site.

Yes. Selected interns are required to arrange or provide for their own daily travel back and forth from the housing location to the lab or host site.

Can I bring my pet with me?

No. Pets or emotional support animals will not be allowed in the housing during the internship. However, if you have a disability that requires the use of a service animal (certified with paperwork and required training), and you have been selected for the program, please contact us.