About

2024 Program Details

Program Pamphlets & Flyers

Download the program pamphlet containing relevant program information.

Program Pamphlet

2024 Program Details

The Army HBCU/MI SPARK – Student Program for Army Research and Knowledge is an undergraduate internship program for full-time HBCU/MI students. The Army HBCU/MI SPARK program provides U.S. undergraduate students in STEM fields with the opportunity to conduct research at an Army laboratory. 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 2024. This internship program focuses on students pursuing disciplines that are 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 which is taking place across the United States between June 1, 2024, and August 10, 2024. Accepted interns will work directly with a mentor at an Army research facility. The program provides stipends, housing, and some travel funds to accepted interns.

STEM Academic Disciplines or Army Relevant Discipline

The internship program focuses on students pursuing disciplines that are critical to Department of Army 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 discipline 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 to include management, arts, or humanities are not approved or funded by this Army Internship initiative.

Appointments

Appointments run continuously from June 1, 2024, to August 10, 2024, excluding federal holidays and weekends. On-site research at the facility or affiliated center is mandatory for applicants.

Selected interns must commit to the entire internship period; exceptions for military or medical obligations may be considered case by case, but personal time off won't 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 laboratory regulations.

Internship Timeline

  • January 29, 2024, to March 1, 2024, 11:59 PM PSTApplications

  • March 1, 2024, to March 17, 2024Stage 1: Eligibility Review

  • March 18, 2024, to April 1, 2024Stage 2: Mentor Selections

  • March 19, 2024, to May 15, 2024Stage 3: Background Investigation

  • June 1, 2024, to August 10, 2024Internship

Army HBCU/MI SPARK Program Dates

The program is from June 1, 2024, to August 10, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements

The Army HBCU/MI Program applications are open from January 29, 2024, to March 1, 2024, with awards being granted in the spring. All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2024, 11:59 PM Pacific. This program is open to undergraduate HBCU/MI students.

Accepted Interns must be:

  • U.S. Citizen (no dual citizenship)
  • Currently attending an HBCU or MI
  • Majoring in a STEM academic discipline or Army relevant discipline
  • 18 or older at the time of application
  • Full-time student or recent graduate (December 2023 or later)
  • GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Federal ID like a REAL ID or valid U.S. Passport
  • Successful completion of a background investigation

Appointment Requirements

Security Clearance
Patent and Inventions Disclosure
Reporting

Appointment Benefits

Stipends
Travel or Mileage Reimbursement
Housing

Why Should You Consider Applying?

Students should consider applying to the Army HBCU/MI SPARK program for several compelling reasons:

  1. Professional Development: Participation in the program provides students with opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and networking with experts in their fields.
  2. 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 endeavors in academia, industry, or government.
  3. Contribution to National Defense: By participating in the Army HBCU/MI SPARK program, students have the opportunity to contribute to projects that support national defense and security, making a meaningful impact on critical issues facing the nation.
  4. 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:
  •   February 7 – 1:00 PM EST
  •   February 14 – 1:00 PM EST
  •   February 21 – 1:00 PM EST
  •   February 28 – 1:00 PM EST

Additional Information

For additional information, call or email the program help desk.
Call Toll Free: 866-225-0045   (toll free)
Email Us: support@armyspark.com

SPARK your work experience this summer, Apply now!

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