Selection Process

The DoW Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges and Universities Summer Research Internship Program uses a four-phase selection process. Each phase is essential for confirming applicant qualifications and completing all administrative and background security requirements. Applicants must complete all four phases to be accepted into the program.

Phase 1: Verification of Applicant Eligibility

Phase 1 involves a thorough review of all applications to confirm eligibility. This includes verifying the applicant’s U.S. citizenship, academic discipline, GPA, and enrollment at an eligible institution.

Eligibility Requirements include:

  • U.S. Citizenship (no dual citizenship)
  • Current enrollment in a Historically Black College or University, or Tribal College or University
  • Major in a STEM or DoW-relevant academic discipline
  • 18 years or older at the time of application
  • Full-time student or recent graduate (December 2026 or later)
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Possession of a Federal ID, such as a REAL ID* or a valid U.S. Passport
  • Receipt of a favorable interim background investigation

*To learn more about what a “REAL ID” is, please visit the DHS website below and your state’s department of motor vehicles website: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs

Only applicants who meet all eligibility requirements will progress to Phase 2.

Phase 2: Mentor Selection and Interviews

In Phase 2, mentors from participating DoW organizations evaluate eligible applications and may conduct interviews, though not all applicants will be interviewed. Mentors then recommend applicants for selection and issue a Mentor Researcher Agreement (MRA) form to their chosen participant. Each applicant may sign only one MRA; if multiple MRAs are submitted, only the first received by the program administrator will be considered valid. To advance to Phase 3, the mentor must submit the signed MRA to the program administrator.

Phase 3: DoW Program Office Acceptance

In Phase 3, MRAs are first reviewed for accuracy and approval. Once verified, an official letter is sent to the DoW Program Office for approval. Once approved, the offer letter is sent to the selected applicant, who must sign and return it within two business days. Applicants who sign an offer letter but later decline to participate may be disqualified from future program opportunities. While an offer letter may be issued prior to the completion of the background investigation, participation cannot begin until a favorable interim background investigation has been determined.

Phase 4: Background Investigation

Phase 4 is the background investigation. A favorable background investigation is a condition of continued participation in the program. Participants may be permitted ot being the program while their investigation is pending, subject to applicable security requirements. However, participants who do not receive a favorable determination may be removed from the program.

The administrative office will provide instructions and support to complete the required steps, including fingerprinting and form submission. Participants must begin this process immediately, as investigations may take one to three months, depending on the level of clearance required. Fingerprinting and all required forms must be completed within seven business days of receipt. A favorable background investigation is mandatory for the participant to continue in the program.

Successful completion of all four phases is required for admission into the program.

Selection Timeline

  • Phase 1: Eligibility Review: January 2027 to February 2027
  • Phase 2: Mentor Selections: February 2027 to March 2027
  • Phase 3: DoW Program Office Acceptance: February 2027 to March 2027
  • Phase 4: Background Investigations: March 2027 to May 2027

Questions

Questions regarding the selection process can be directed to internsupport@dodhbcutcuinternship.com.