Army HBCU/MI SPARK Internship Program

Army HBCU/MI SPARK Program

SPARK Helps You Gain Experience That Matters

The Army HBCU/MI SPARK Program offers undergraduate STEM students the opportunity to work in U.S. Army research laboratories alongside scientists and engineers developing next-generation technologies. (Full application link at end of post.)

Participants gain hands-on research experience, one-on-one mentorship, and exposure to real-world STEM careers in a highly immersive summer program.

Program Details

  • Who can apply: Undergraduate STEM students from HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions
  • Program length: 10-week, full-time summer research experience
  • Location: U.S. Army research facilities nationwide

What You’ll Gain

  • Paid internship: $1,500 per week stipend
  • Housing and travel provided: No out-of-pocket relocation costs
  • Hands-on research experience: Work on active Army science and technology projects
  • Mentorship: Direct guidance from Army scientists and research professionals
  • Professional development: Build skills relevant to graduate school or the STEM workforce

Capstone Experience

  • Present your research at the SPARK Symposium
  • Network with:
    • Army STEM leaders
    • HBCU-MI faculty
    • Representatives from Army research laboratories across the country

Interested or Unsure About Eligibility?

Students are encouraged to attend a Program Overview + “Ask Us Anything” Zoom session (current dates for information webinar as of Feb 2, 2026 posting) to learn more about eligibility, the application process, and what to expect from the program. (Full application page is below the dates.)

  • February 3, 2026 — 12:00-1:00 PM EST
  • February 10, 2026 — 12:00-1:00 PM EST
  • February 17, 2026 — 12:00-1:00 PM EST
  • February 24, 2026 — 12:00-1:00 PM EST

>>>Learn more and apply here<<<
The application deadline has been extended to February 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST.

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).

University of Illinois – Internship Opportunity

University of Illinois – College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

The application period for the North Central Watershed Internship Program is now open! 

The application deadline has been extended to December 14th, 11:59PM (CT) for consideration for our summer 2026 program. Partners/locations that will be hosting interns this year include South Dakota State University (in Aberdeen), University of Wisconsin (in Milwaukee), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Iowa State University, and University of Missouri. This is a paid internship with full-time hours during the summer of 2026, for 12 weeks. 

We will be participating in a webinar on Thursday Dec 4, 2025 from 6-7:30pm (CT). All interested students, faculty, staff, and administrators are welcome to attend. Register here: https://go.illinois.edu/2026REUInfoSession 

Please share this opportunity with your students and colleagues. The information below can be used to send via email or post on course websites. 

Applications Now Open!

The North Central Watershed Internship Program is now accepting applications for Summer 2026 (the deadline is Dec 14, 2025). Undergraduates from all types of institutions are encouraged to apply.

The North Central Watershed Internship Program is a multi-site 12-wk (May-Aug) full-time paid internship hosted at South Dakota State University (in Aberdeen), University of Wisconsin (in Milwaukee), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Iowa State University, and University of Missouri. Our program helps students from all backgrounds gain valuable experience that will help you pursue future careers in watershed management. 

We encourage applications from students with interests in water resource management, soil health, agriculture, nutrient management, lake and stream monitoring, weather and climate, forestry, or limnology.

To get an idea of what past participants have done, you can view their StoryMaps here. 

  • Program dates: exact dates vary by site: May-Aug
  • Financial support: exact stipend amount and availability of travel, housing, or food support varies by site.
  • Application deadline: December 14th, 11:59PM (CT)

Eligible students must be:

  • Citizens of the United States or permanent residents.
  • Enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full-time) with at least 1-yr of college-level coursework completed and at least 1-semester of coursework left after the summer internship.
  • Available full-time during the program.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to Rachel Curry (rccurry@illinois.edu).

SME Education Foundation Scholarships

SME Education Foundation Scholarships

Opportunity Type: Scholarship

Eligible: High school seniors, community college students, and university undergraduates

Fields: Pursuing degrees in technical fields supporting manufacturing 

Application Window: November 1 – February 1 (Application deadline is February 1, 2026.)

Award Range: $2,500 – $20,000

Apply: SME Education Foundation Scholarships 

Overview

The SME Education Foundation offers one of the largest and most accessible scholarship programs in the U.S. for students pursuing manufacturing-related technical careers. With a single application, students are automatically considered for more than 60 named scholarships, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.

These scholarships support students at all stages—high school seniors entering college, current community college students, and undergraduates preparing for careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering technology, automation, CNC/machining, mechatronics, robotics, and other technical fields.

Since 2005, the SME Education Foundation has awarded over $18 million to more than 5,000 students.

Full details: https://www.smeef.org/sme-education-foundation-scholarships/scholarship-opportunities/ 

University of Nebraska Summer Research Program

We are currently accepting applications for the Nebraska Summer Research Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Our 10-week intensive undergraduate Summer Research Program provides a unique chance for students to delve into cutting-edge research within our state-of-the-art facilities while gaining a valuable preview of graduate school life at a Big Ten institution. The majority of our Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) are generously funded by organizations like the NSF, USDA, or NIFA, ensuring an enriching experience for participants. By joining, students not only enhance their academic resumes but also forge meaningful connections with faculty and peers. Engaging in social and professional development activities further contribute to a holistic experience, all complemented by amazing benefits.  

Rest assured, our commitment to quality mentoring is unwavering. Our summer offerings are carefully tailored to active research labs and projects led by faculty who have proven themselves as exceptional mentors for undergraduate students.   

Explore the Programs:  Applied Plant Systems, Beneficial Bacteria, Beneficial Insects, Biomedical Engineering Devices, Chemical Assembly, Crop-to-Food Innovation, Engineering Education Research, Nanotechnology, Plant Pathology, Quantum Materials, Redox Biology, Sustainability and Resilience in Rural Areas, and Virology.

Students can apply for up to three different research groups. Priority review of applications begins February 1, and all applications are due by Sunday, March 1, 2026. https://summerprogram.unl.edu/

We actively encourage applications from students historically underrepresented in graduate education. However, please be aware that, due to funding constraints, eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents (green card holders).   

NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars: Opens October 2024

NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars: Opens October 2024

NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program 2025

Applications open September 16 – November 25, 2024 for next Mission 1 opportunity.

There are two “missions” to complete before you can apply for Mission 3 of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program.

Prerequisite

Must have successfully completed the most recent NCAS Mission 1: Discover and NCAS Mission 2: Explore

Get Started

Eligibility

Mission 1: Discover

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • At least 18 years of age by beginning of Mission 1: Discover.
  • Currently attend a U.S. community college
  • Completion or concurrent enrollment of 9+ college credits of STEM coursework
  • Able to commit to a 5-week online session
  • Internet access
  • Have not previously participated in NCAS

Mission 2: Explore – Successful completion of previous Mission 1: Discover

Mission 3: Innovate – Successful completion of previous Mission 1: Discover and Mission 2: Explore

How to Apply

Next application period will open in October 2024. Check back for more information in mid-September.

To complete the NCAS application:

  1. Sign up or Log in to the NASA STEM Gateway.
  2. Explore Opportunities for College STEM Experiences.
  3. Apply for NCAS Mission 1: Discover.

You will need to provide:

  • Contact information.
  • Community college transcripts (official or unofficial) must include the following:
    • Your name.
    • Your school’s name.
    • 9 credits of college STEM courses, either completed or in-progress.
    • Proof of current enrollment.
  • 300-word (max) explanation of why you want to participate in NCAS.

Download this FAQ document for additional application help.

If you experience any technical difficulties with the application, please email to hq-nasa-stem-gateway@mail.nasa.gov.

NCAS Timeframe

NCAS has two consecutive schedules to engage community college students and institutions year-round.

  • Schedule A: August through February; April – May recruiting
  • Schedule B: February through August; October – November recruiting

You can jump to the full page and program description here.

Department of Energy (DOE): Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)

This page: Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) — Where Students Come To Change The World has all the details you need. But below are some recent updates and links/virtual events.

December 3, 2025 UPDATE and Program Announcements

The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Program application is now open for the Summer 2026 term. Applications are due January 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Access to the online application system is available here.

Scheduled Events:

SULI Application Assistance Workshops:
[Cancelled]November 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. ET: Application Assistance Workshop

Join us for the upcoming SULI Application Assistance workshop. REGISTER NOW: December 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. ET: SULI Alumni Panel Discussion. This session will provide an overview of the program and equip you with effective strategies for submitting a compliant application. [Click to review presentation here — immediately downloads the PDF.]

Gain insights into the collaborative experience directly from program alumni by joining our upcoming panel discussion. This session will provide valuable information about the program, guide you through the application process, and address your questions. Registration is required to attend.

SULI Office Hours — two more you can attend.
December 10, and 17th, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET

Questions? The program office will be holding office hours to address administrative questions regarding the application process, including submission procedures. We encourage both applicants and letter-of-recommendation writers to attend. Registration is required to attend.