ARMY HBCU-MI SPARK

Student Program for Army Research and Knowledge

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ABOUT

The Army Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU-MI) Student Program for Army Research and Knowledge (SPARK) is a distinguished science outreach initiative sponsored by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA[ALT]). The program offers undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields an opportunity to conduct hands-on research at Army facilities across the Army’s science and technology enterprise. Students accepted into the 2026 program will spend their summer under the mentorship of Government scientists and engineers, contributing to Army mission-related research projects, including data analysis, systems modeling, and other critical research activities.

Each student will be assigned a research project, a mentor, and a set of tasks designed to lead to publishable results based on a defined research question. Projects are structured with clear boundaries and milestones to ensure students can make meaningful progress and reach well-supported conclusions. At the end of the program, students will present their research findings at the Army HBCU-MI SPARK Summer Symposium.

Academic Major Fields of Study

The SPARK internship program is open to students pursuing academic disciplines critical to the Department of the Army’s national security priority initiatives. The list below outlines the approved STEM disciplines. These are broad, umbrella categories—individual majors or fields of study may fall under one or more of the disciplines listed.

  • 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.

Army HBCU-MI SPARK

The Army HBCU-MI SPARK program fosters collaboration between the U.S. Army and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) across the United States. The program seeks to leverage these institutions' expertise, talent, and resources to help address research and development challenges aligned with the Army’s mission and strategic goals.

The Army HBCU-MI SPARK program offers a range of benefits to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs):

  1. Research Opportunities: Students engage in applied research projects aligned with the U.S. Army's priorities and needs. This hands-on experience allows them to contribute to real-world problem-solving and advances across a variety of scientific and technological fields.
  2. Professional Development: Participation in the SPARK internship provides valuable professional growth opportunities. Students collaborate with Army researchers, attend workshops and seminars, and gain experience in areas relevant to their academic studies and career goals.
  3. Networking and Partnerships: The program fosters connections among HBCUs, MIs, and the broader research ecosystem—including government agencies, industry partners, and other academic institutions. These relationships can lead to lasting collaborations, joint research efforts, and future funding opportunities.
  4. Engagement and Advancement: By actively involving HBCUs and MIs in Army research and development initiatives, the program recognizes and utilizes these institutions' strengths to help drive innovation in science and technology.

Overall, the Army HBCU-MI SPARK program catalyzes collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange between the U.S. Army and HBCUs-MIs—benefiting students and institutions while supporting advancements in national security.

SPARK your work experience this summer, Apply now!

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