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.

Undergraduate students receive a stipend of $500 per week ($5,000 for 10 weeks). Graduate students receive a stipend of $700 per week ($7,000 for 10 weeks). Stipends are payable every two weeks.

ORISE will make travel arrangements for students and reimburse transportation expenses for one round trip between the student’s current or home address and the assigned federal research facility, with some limitations.

Participant Obligations

• Commit to full-time participation for ten consecutive weeks at the assigned hosting site between the months of May and August
• Coverage under a health insurance plan before arriving at the assigned hosting site and maintenance of coverage during the internship period.
• Obtain clearance and facility access as required by the hosting site for the assigned project
• Participate in a poster session or make an oral presentation to the scientific community at the hosting site, as directed by the assigned mentor
• Complete an evaluation form
• Submit an eight to ten page paper summarizing the summer experience
• Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship (such as a photocopy of a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Certificate of U.S. Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship) at the time award is accepted.

Other Information

Students are responsible for moving expenses (in excess of travel expenses covered by the program) and all living expenses, including local transportation, room, board and entertainment. Students are also responsible for securing their own living space and determining their means of local transportation prior to arriving at the assigned hosting site. Some hosting sites provide assistance in locating housing and/or provide additional funds for housing. For more information, refer to Hosting Sites and contact the hosting site internship coordinators if additional information is required.

Students will be considered guest researchers/investigators and are subject to DHS and hosting site regulations with regard to internship eligibility, facility access, professional conduct, and drug and alcohol use or possession.

Available funds are for the summer of 2013.  No deferrals of the internship will be allowed.

No commitment on the part of the participant, DHS, or the federal research facility with regard to later employment is implied or should be inferred by the offer or acceptance of this internship opportunity.

Requirements for All Internships

• United States citizenship as of the application deadline.
• At least 18 years of age by May 6, 2012.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale, as demonstrated in the most current transcript, which must include Fall 2012 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 of 2013.
• 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 2013, 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, 2013.

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 2013, 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, 2013.

Apply @ http://www.orau.gov/dhseducation/internships/index.html