We are in the final days of the recruitment season for the US Department of Transportation’s 2024 Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG), but there is still time for students to apply before the January 31 deadline. There is no fee to apply or participate, and the internships are paid through a federal grant.
STIPDG is part of DOT’s efforts to build an inclusive future workforce, and enables undergraduate and graduate students to get insight into public service. At this time, STIPDG especially welcomes applications from current graduate students in law, master’s, and PhD programs. Learn more about the opportunities and growth offered by STIPDG from 2023 graduate intern alumni Lauredan, who worked in Washington, DC, and Djakaridja, who worked in Madison, WI.
Many DOT internship supervisors are looking for the depth of experience that graduate-level interns possess. And, STIPDG is a great opportunity for students to strengthen their research skills, work on impactful policy projects, network with an eye to post-degree jobs, and completement advanced coursework.
STIPDG includes a stipend, mentorship from federal staff, professional development programming, and paid housing and travel for students who do not reside near their assigned internship site (most interns). Students in all academic areas are welcome to apply. STIPDG work can include technical, administrative, communications, or data projects. The Washington Center administers the program in close coordination with US DOT.
People from groups under-represented in the federal workforce and government leadership, including students of color, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, women in STEM, and military veterans, are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be US citizens and must be enrolled in a degree-granting program through fall 2024.
Students can visit the STIPDG website to apply.
And, a smaller, new program is also being held in summer 2024 by the Federal Transit Administration, a sub-agency of DOT: the Diversity in Federal Transit (DFT) Internship Program. Students can apply to both DFT and STIPDG, but those with a specific focus on public transit might be most interested in DFT. The application deadline for this program is February 18.
You or your students are welcome to book a virtual appointment with me via my Calendly appointment link—I would be pleased to tell you more about TWC’s federal internship programs.