About
Program Pamphlets & Flyers
Download the program pamphlet containing relevant program information.
The Army Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU-MI) Student Program for Army Research and Knowledge (SPARK) is an undergraduate/graduate internship program for full-time HBCU and MI students. The Army HBCU-MI SPARK program allows U.S. graduate and undergraduate students in STEM fields to conduct research at an Army facility. Under the guidance of government scientists and engineers, students will engage in Army mission-related research projects, including data analysis and systems modeling, during the summer of 2025. This internship program focuses on students pursuing disciplines critical to the Army initiatives. Please see below for a list of STEM academic disciplines and Army-relevant disciplines.
Internship Details
The Army HBCU-MI SPARK program offers a 10-week summer research internship at Army research facilities across the United States. For students attending a college or university on the semester system, the internship is from June 2, 2025, to August 8, 2025. For students attending a college or university on the quarter system, the internship is from June 23, 2025, to August 29, 2025. Accepted interns will work directly with a mentor at an Army research facility. The program provides accepted interns stipends, housing, and some travel funds.
STEM Academic Disciplines or Army Relevant Discipline
The SPARK internship program focuses on students pursuing disciplines critical to the Department of Army's national security priority initiatives. The following is a list of approved STEM disciplines. These disciplines are general umbrella disciplines; specific applicant majors or fields of study may fall under one or more disciplines on this list.
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biosciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Cognitive, Neural, and Behavioral Sciences
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science and Analytics
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Geosciences
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Software Engineering
*Please note that non-technical degrees, including management, arts, or humanities, are not approved or funded by this Army Internship initiative.
Appointments
- Appointments run continuously from June 2, 2025, to August 8, 2025, for students attending a college or university on the semester system and from June 23, 2025, to August 29, 2025, for students attending a college or university on the quarter system, excluding federal holidays and weekends.
- On-site research at the facility or affiliated center is mandatory for all interns.
- Interns must commit to the entire internship period; exceptions for military obligations, medical conditions, and bereavement may be considered case-by-case, but personal time off will not be granted.
- Background investigations are required for all appointments.
- Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week.
- All participants are considered guest investigators and must adhere to facility regulations.
Internship Timeline
October 14, 2024, to January 12, 2025, 11:59 PM PSTApplication Window
January 12, 2025, to February 9, 2025Stage 1: Eligibility Review
February 10, 2025, to March 10, 2025Stage 2: Mentor Selections
February 17, 2025, to May 23, 2025Stage 3: Background Investigation
June 2, 2025, to August 8, 2025Internship (Semester System Students)
June 23, 2025, to August 29, 2025Internship (Quarter System Students)
Army HBCU-MI SPARK Program Dates
Semester System Students: the program is from June 2, 2025, to August 8, 2025.
Quarter System Students: the program is from June 23, 2025, to August 29, 2025.
Appointment Requirements
Appointment Benefits
Why Should You Consider Applying?
Students should consider applying to the Army HBCU-MI SPARK program for several compelling reasons:
- Professional Development: Participation in the program provides students with opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and networking with field experts.
- Research Experience: Students gain practical research experience by working on projects aligned with the Army's priorities and needs, enhancing their resumes and preparing them for future career opportunities in academia, industry, or government.
- Contribution to National Defense: By participating in the Army HBCU-MI SPARK program, students can contribute to projects that support national defense and security, making a meaningful impact on the nation's critical issues.
- Diversity and Inclusion: The program promotes diversity and inclusion by actively recruiting students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs), providing a platform for underrepresented groups to excel in STEM fields and beyond.
Overall, the Army HBCU-MI SPARK program offers students a unique and rewarding opportunity to gain valuable experience, contribute to important research initiatives, and pave the way for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Office Hours Webinar
Current office hours dates and times:
| October 16, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT | Registration Link |
| October 23, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT | Registration Link |
| November 6, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM EST | Registration Link |
| November 20, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM EST | Registration Link |
| December 4, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM EST | Registration Link |
| December 18, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM EST | Registration Link |
| January 8, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM EST | Registration Link |
Additional Information
For additional information, call or email the program help desk.
Call Toll Free: 866-225-0045
Email Us: support@armyspark.com
SPARK your work experience this summer, Apply now!