About

2026 Program Details

Program Pamphlets & Flyers

Download the program pamphlet containing relevant program information.

2024 Program Details

The Army HBCU-MI SPARK is a strategic initiative strengthening collaboration between the U.S. Army and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) nationwide. This multiphased process includes students submitting applications, eligibility reviews, selections by Army scientists who will participate as mentors, background investigations, and ultimately a summer internship for selected students.

Internship Details

The Army HBCU-MI SPARK offers a 10-week summer research internship at Army research facilities across the United States. Internship dates vary based on the student’s academic calendar:

  • For students attending institutions on a semester system, the internship runs from June 1 to August 7, 2026.
  • For students on a quarter system, the dates are June 22 to August 28, 2026.

Accepted interns will be matched with a mentor and conduct research on-site at an Army facility. The program provides a stipend, housing accommodations, and partial travel funding to support participation.

STEM Academic Disciplines or Army-Relevant Discipline

The SPARK internship program is designed for 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 categories serve as broad umbrellas—specific majors or fields of study may fall under one or more of the listed areas.

  • 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 1, 2026, to August 7, 2026, for students attending a college or university on the semester system, and from June 22, 2026, to August 28, 2026, for students attending a college or university on the quarter system, excluding federal holidays and weekends.
  • All interns must conduct on-site research at the assigned facility or affiliated center (no remote work).
  • Interns must commit to the entire internship period. Exceptions for military obligations, medical conditions, or bereavement may be considered case-by-case. 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 13, 2025 to January 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM PSTApplication Window

  • January 12, 2026 to January 30, 2026Stage 1: Eligibility Review

  • February 9, 2026 to March 6, 2026Stage 2: Mentor Selections

  • February 23, 2026 to May 22, 2026Stage 3: Background Investigation

  • June 1, 2026 to August 7, 2026Internship (Semester System Students)

  • June 22, 2026 to August 28, 2026Internship (Quarter System Students)

Army HBCU-MI SPARK Program Dates

Semester System Students: the program is from June 1, 2026, to August 7, 2026.
Quarter System Students: the program is from June 22, 2026, to August 28, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

Applications for the Army HBCU-MI SPARK program are open from October 13, 2025, to January 11, 2026, with awards granted in the spring. All applications must be submitted by January 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST.

The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are currently enrolled at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Minority Institution (MI).

Accepted Interns Must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen (dual citizenship is not permitted).
  • Be currently enrolled at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Minority Institution (MI).
  • Be majoring in a STEM discipline or another Army-relevant field of study.
  • Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
  • Be a full-time student or a recent graduate (December 2025 or later).
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Possess a valid form of federal identification, such as a REAL ID or a U.S. passport.
  • Successfully complete a background investigation.

Appointment Requirements

Security Clearance
Exclusive Commitment Requirement
Patent and Inventions Disclosure
Reporting

Appointment Benefits

Stipends
Travel or Mileage Reimbursement
Housing

Why Should You Consider Applying?

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

  1. Research Opportunities: Engage in applied research projects aligned with the U.S. Army’s priorities. This hands-on experience allows students to work on real-world challenges and contribute to science, technology, and national security advancements.
  2. Professional Development: Collaborate with Army researchers, attend workshops and seminars, and gain practical experience in areas relevant to your academic background and career aspirations.
  3. Networking and Partnerships: Build connections with the broader research community, including government agencies, industry partners, and other academic institutions. These relationships can lead to future collaborations, research opportunities, and funding support.
  4. Engagement and Advancement: Participate in research and development initiatives that leverage the unique capabilities of HBCUs and MIs to drive innovation across the Army science and technology enterprise.

Overall, the Army HBCU-MI SPARK catalyzes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation—benefiting both participants and the Army by advancing shared goals in science, technology, and national defense.

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!