The DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship Program provides a 10-week summer research experience for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in DHS-related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (HS-STEM) disciplines. Students will have the opportunity to conduct research in DHS mission-relevant areas at federal research facilities located across the country. Participants receive a stipend plus transportation expenses to/from their internship location.
Program Overview
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sponsors a 10-week summer internship program for students majoring in homeland security related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (HS-STEM) disciplines. This program is open to undergraduate students in a broad spectrum of DHS mission-relevant research areas and graduate students interested in the specific field of Nuclear and Radiological Threat Detection.
The DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship Program provides students with the opportunity to conduct research at federal research facilities located across the country. The goal of this program is to engage a diverse, educated, and skilled pool of scientists and engineers in HS-STEM issues and to promote long-term relationships between student researchers, DHS, and federal research facilities to enhance the HS-STEM workforce. DHS has partnered with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) to manage the application and review process, notification, and implementation of the program.
DHS reserves the right to make no awards or to cancel this program. DHS assumes no liability for canceling the HS-STEM Summer Internship Program or for anyone’s failure to receive actual notification of cancellation.
Specific Eligibility Criteria
- United States citizenship as of the application deadline.
- At least 18 years of age by May of application year.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale, as demonstrated in the most current transcript, which must include Fall grades.
- Majoring in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field with interest in homeland security research as described in the DHS Research Areas.
- Pursuing long-term career goals aligned with the DHS mission and objectives.
- Available to participate for 10 consecutive weeks full-time during the summer.
- Coverage under a health insurance plan before arriving at the appointment site and maintenance of coverage during the appointment.
Requirements for Undergraduate Internships Only
- By the application deadline, full-time enrollment as a sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate student at a U.S. accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university.
- By fall, full-time enrollment as a junior or senior undergraduate student at a 4-year U.S. accredited college or university. For students currently enrolled at a 2-year institution: Internship assignment is contingent on the student providing proof of application to a 4-year institution by March 1.
Previous participants may apply for a second summer if they meet the conditions listed above.
Requirements for Graduate Internships Only
- Pursuing a degree in an academic discipline related to Nuclear and Radiological Threat Detection
- By the application deadline, full-time enrollment as a graduate student or undergraduate seniors at a U.S. accredited college or university.
- By fall, full-time enrollment as a graduate student at a U.S. accredited college or university. For undergraduate seniors: Internship assignment is contingent on the student providing proof of application to a graduate program in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field by March 1.