Audience
Turning a unique summer work experience into a career with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Help make the U.S. home to the safest, most efficient and convenient transportation system in the world. The Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG) internship program is a unique opportunity for undergraduate, graduate and law students like you to get hands-on experience in public service while learning more about transportation challenges and advancements in the U.S.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, this program is a critical part of the agency's employee recruitment efforts. Build your network, develop skills and learn about open positions. And if you love your internship experience, consider applying at USAjobs.gov to pursue a career.
Students from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. STIPDG is held in-person at Department of Transportation offices in Washington, D.C. and across the country. If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about this program, please contact dotstipdg@twc.edu.
Learn more about the U.S. Department of Transportation at transportation.gov or register for one of the upcoming STIPDG information sessions or application tips webinars.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen (dual citizens are also eligible)
- Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program (AA/AS, BA/BS, Masters, JD, MD, or PhD) at an accredited higher education institution during the internship (visit ed.gov/accreditation to verify your school and/or program of study). Students pursuing only a credential or certificate program will be considered ineligible.
- Have completed your freshman year of college before the internship begins.
- Law applicants must be entering their second or third year of law school in the upcoming fall semester.
- Applicants who are scheduled to graduate during the spring or summer semesters of this academic year are not eligible for consideration for STIPDG unless: (1) they have been accepted for graduate school enrollment, or other enrollment at an institution of higher education for a degree program; or (2) their acceptance is pending. There will be no exceptions.
- 3.0 GPA or higher desired.
- Be available onsite and able to participate through the duration of the 10-week program.
- Former STIPDG interns may apply but will not necessarily receive preferential consideration.
Candidates will be evaluated based on the "completeness" of the application and required Application Documents.
Upon acceptance into the program, participants are required to go through employment eligibility verification and a background investigation to determine suitability to work for U.S. DOT. Participants will also be required to sign a Code of Conduct and a Participant Agreement.
Program Components
During this 10-week program, you will intern five days per week at the U.S. Department of Transportation, with the exception of some optional program opportunities such as field trips throughout the summer. Your internship placement may be at the Washington, D.C. DOT headquarters, or in one of several regional locations across the United States. Daily tasks will vary depending on your background, your skills and the office in which you’re working. STIPDG internship work is substantive and may include projects in data analysis, data management, research, article and report writing, presentation preparation and delivery, policy analysis and stakeholder outreach. Each intern is supervised and supported by a DOT mentor, and professional development workshops are provided by DOT and The Washington Center.
Program Benefits
Compensation includes a competitive stipend. Sponsorship covers the cost of the program and, only if held in-person, fully-furnished housing (if needed) and roundtrip travel to your assignment location (if your permanent residence is more than 50 miles away). You will be responsible for living expenses and local transportation.
Housing and Living
STIPDG is held in-person at Department of Transportation offices in Washington, D.C. and across the country. Housing for eligible interns (whose permanent residence is more than 50 miles away from the assigned work site) is arranged in proximity to work sites, both in Washington, D.C. and in regional locations across the United States. Interns of all ages and academic levels who reside in housing may be placed in shared bedrooms with a fellow intern. Every effort is made to arrange housing near essential amenities like grocery stores, public transit and medical facilities.
Academic Credit
You may be eligible to receive academic credit for your participation in this program. However, credits are determined and awarded by each university. TWC does not grant credit, but can support you administratively in documenting your work or performance if needed. You are responsible for arranging any academic credit through your college or university. You should discuss arrangements with your institution prior to starting the program.
Dates and Deadlines
Summer 2024
- Applications Accepted: October 2, 2023 – January 31, 2024
- Decision Notification: February – April 2024
- Program Dates: June 3, 2024 – August 9, 2024 (subject to change)
How to Apply
Applications for Summer 2024 are now open! Please review the Eligibility information above and the Application Documents required below before beginning your application. If you receive and accept a STIPDG offer, your participation is contingent upon passing a federal background check.
If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about this program, please contact dotstipdg@twc.edu.
Looking for other jobs or internships? Visit Handshake for even more awesome opportunities!
* Remember! Always report your internship to Taylor Flemming (SMCM Internship Coordinator) and on Handshake Experiences for support throughout your internship and to gain essential information about earning academic credit during your opportunity.