About
Program Pamphlets & Flyers
Download the program pamphlet containing relevant program information.
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 27, 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.
Appointment Requirements
Appointment Benefits
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):
- 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.
- Professional Development: Collaborate with Army researchers, attend workshops and seminars, and gain practical experience in areas relevant to your academic background and career aspirations.
- 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.
- 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:
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!