School may be out for summer, but an opportunity to gain valuable, professional experience in their field of study has just begun for students enrolled in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Minority Institutions’ (HBCU/MIs’). Anthony Smith, director, Department of Navy's (DoN) HBCU/MI Program, said there are eight different internships with the addition of a new one this year.
“We are embarking on a new student internship program with the Navy Facilities Command (NAVFAC),” he said. “That’s a big deal because that’s focused on students in engineering but more along the lines of civil engineering and construction technology – and that’s a big one that we have not had before. So, that’s exciting for us.”
Smith said previously their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) internships did not include civil engineering as part of the program. But the HBCU/MI program tries to find ways to ensure opportunities for students across all disciplines – and not just for the sake of the students. Diversity of thought is an important aspect of the Navy’s educational outreach.
“We want students who think differently and are taught differently, and I think that’s where it provides an insight for the military and civilian life in regard to research for the Navy. Also, we want researchers who are US citizens, and you get that opportunity because a very large component of HBCU’s are US citizens,” Smith said.
Naval internships are mutually beneficial, enhancing the Navy and Marines’ workforce while giving hands-on experience to students who are expected to be actively engaged in research and projects during their respective assignments.
“This is not an internship where you go and sit down, or you’re just part of a seminar,” Smith said. “They will be working alongside Naval scientists and engineers, and they will be given a task or tasks to accomplish over their six to eight week internship program,” Smith said.
Interns are offered a stipend during the summer program which could be at any Navy or Marine location. That’s important, said Dr. Cyntrica Eaton, senior program analyst, HBCU/MI programs, because some students cannot afford to work for free in a location away from their home or university.
“Historically, students had to pay their own bill to participate. If you were a student who couldn’t afford to do that, then you were automatically counted out,” said Eaton. “Avenues are now being opened to make sure not being independently wealthy is not a barrier to students participating in these opportunities, contributing to the thought process, and getting the experience needed to be an effective scientist, engineer, or lawyer once they actually graduate.”
Both Eaton and Smith spend a good part of the year spreading awareness about the university programs to both the students and faculty at HBCU/MI schools.
“Students are genuinely surprised that they don’t have to join the Navy to participate in our internships. Faculty, as well, are surprised in some cases to learn how the research they are currently doing and the expertise they already have, can actually help push the DoN forward,” said Eaton.
Although students are not required to join the DoN, Smith said they do encourage students to look at the Navy and Marines as a future career option, whether in uniform or as a civilian.
“We are hopeful the students’ experience will lead them to wanting to be engaged and working for us because they’ve found a love for service and a commitment to research in the Department of the Navy – or the Army or the Air Force,” he said.
Education and outreach from the DoN includes college internships, graduate fellowships, science fairs and competitions, and curriculum enrichment programs for students of all ages. The HBCU/MI program aims to increase participation from under-represented educational institutions for research, development, test and evaluation programs.