The Department of Navy's (DoN) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) program is designed to increase the participation of HBCU/MIs in the Navy's research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) programs and activities.
As part of its mission, the program strengthens the capabilities of the institutions to conduct basic and applied research, and increases the quality and quantity of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs with a focus on minority researchers and graduates.
These programmatic objectives will be achieved through the implementation and performance of three program goals:
- Expanding opportunities for schools to successfully compete for grants and contracts for basic and applied research.
- Offering scholarships, fellowships and internships to students pursuing degrees in STEM studies.
- Leveraging existing relationships between HBCU/MI and K-12 school systems to inspire and engage students in STEM studies.
The DoN HBCU/MI program supports national security functions across the DoN through increased involvement in basic and applied research. With its focus on preparing underrepresented student populations for employment in the technical fields, the program supports the Secretary of the Navy's STEM roadmap for building the next-generation Naval workforce.
"HBCU/MIs have a rich history of conducting top-notch, innovative, world-class research. If our great nation wants to continue to maintain a scientific competitive edge, HBCU/ MIs will play a vital role in making this happen."
Anthony C. Smith Sr.
Director, Department of the Navy HBCU/MI Program
Fellowships and Internships
Learn more about opportunities for faculty and students at HBCU/MIs.
Summer Faculty Research Program (SFRP)
SFRP is an ONR program managed by the DoN HBCU/MI Program office. SFRP provides an opportunity for faculty to participate in research at a DoN laboratory or warfare center from May through August. Eligible faculty must be U.S. citizens who hold teaching or research appointments at any U.S. college or university to include Minority Serving Institutions.
Sabbatical Leave Program (SLP)
SLP is an ONR program managed by the DoN HBCU/MI Program office. SLP provides an opportunity for faculty to participate in Naval-relevant research at a DoN laboratory or warfare center during the academic school year. Eligible faculty must be U.S. citizens who hold teaching or research appointments at any U.S. college or university to include Minority Serving Institutions.
Faculty Startup Program in Materials Science and Engineering
The DoN HBCU/MI Faculty Startup Program provides start-up funds for provosts and deans to use as a faculty-recruiting tool at institutions having programs in materials science/engineering.
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
The DoN HBCU/MI FOA supports Naval-relevant research at HBCU/MIs. HBCU/MI faculty conduct the research on their campuses, integrating undergraduate/graduate students in the process. A two-phase submission process includes a white paper and an invited proposal. Evaluation criteria includes technical merit and project implementation, Naval relevance, student engagement strategy and PI qualifications.
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Internship Program
The NAVAIR HBCU/MI Internship program is an 8-10 week research opportunity for undergraduate and graduate STEM students currently enrolled at HBCU/MIs. Internship participants explore STEM research questions at a DoN laboratory, guided by a mentor, and expand awareness of DoN technology efforts.
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Internship Program
This 8-10 week comprehensive, multi-component internship is designed for talented minority undergraduate and graduate students in STEM disciplines such as chemistry, physics, biological defense, directed energy, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, modeling and integration, electromagnetics, ship design, naval architecture and information technology.
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Internship Program
This 10-week intern program is designed to provide opportunities for undergraduate students at HBCU/MIs to participate in research, under the guidance of an appropriate research mentor, at NRL.
Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) Cyber and Data Science Internship Program
This dual-phased program is a 6- to 7-month research experience in which students work on teams with at least one NAVWAR Enterprise technical professional to explore mission-critical cyber or data science-related challenges.
Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Internship Program
The NAVSUP internship program is an 8- to 10-week research experience for students interested in data science, data analytics, logistics and quality engineering, and logistics information management systems.
Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) Internship Program
This intern program offers students the opportunity to gain real insight into each discipline of Navy Medicine: Medicine, Dentistry, Medical Administration (as well as Physical Therapy, Pharmacology, Optometry, Podiatry) and Nursing.
Naval Facilities Systems Command (NAVFAC) Internship Program
This 8-10 week intern program is designed to give interdisciplinary experience, development and growth to undergraduate and graduate program participants, particularly participants pursuing careers in architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire protection engineering.
Naval Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps Internship Program
This intern program allows competitively selected lay students an opportunity to interact with Navy Judge advocates, observe the practice of military law, and learn about the Navy.
Systems Programs (SSP) Internship Program
This 10-week intern program is designed for post-secondary students interested in pursuing careers in systems integration and testing; mechanical, electrical and industrial engineering; information technology and cyber-security; human resources; fire and flight control systems; business management; contracting and security.
United States Marine Corps (USMC) Internship Program
This 10-week intern program provides an opportunity for participating students to work on problems involving applications of expeditionary vehicles, amphibious operations and tactical systems.
Naval Opportunity Awareness Workshop (OAW)
The Naval OAW is strategically designed to allow program officers and program managers across DoD agencies to interact directly with presidents, vice presidents, provosts, and faculty at HBCUs and MIs. As a technical interchange, the OAW provides a critical platform for direct engagement and face-to-face interaction with key stakeholders, potential grantees and future partners.
Naval Science Awards Program (NSAP)
NSAP is an ONR program managed by the DoN HBCU/MI Program office. NSAP is an initiative that encourages our nation's students, at the junior high and high school level, to develop and retain an interest in STEM through participation in state and regional science fairs.
DoN – NRL HBCU/MI Post-Doctoral Research Program
The Department of Navy’s (DoN) HBCU/MI Post-Doctoral Program provides a unique opportunity for recent PhD graduates to work with world-renowned scientists and engineers while pursuing challenging research problems through a 2-year funded program focused on discovery and advancement of science and technology for applications relevant to the Department of Defense (DoD), DoN and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL).
For More Information
DoN HBCU/MI Program Director: Mr. Anthony C. Smith, Sr.
Email: anthony.c.smith9.civ@us.navy.mil