Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG)

Opportunity Description:

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. The program usually runs from June till August.

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.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

To be eligible to participate you must meet the following criteria:

• Be U.S. Citizen (dual-citizens are also eligible)
• Be currently enrolled in a degree-granting program of study at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (visit ed.gov/accreditation to verify your school and/or program of study), 3.0 GPA or higher desired.
• Be a junior or senior for the upcoming fall semester if you are an undergraduate student. Undergraduate applicants from Junior, Tribal, or Community Colleges must have completed their first year.
• Be enrolled in the upcoming fall semester if you are a graduate student.
• 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 the STIPDG unless: (1) they have been accepted for graduate school enrollment; (2) they have been accepted for enrollment at an institution of higher education; or (3) their acceptance is pending. There will be no exceptions.
• Former STIPDG interns may apply but will not necessarily receive preferential consideration.
• If you are accepted into the program, you will be required to go through a background investigation to determine suitability to work for U.S. DOT. You will also be required to sign a Code of Conduct and a Participant Agreement.

Application Process: 

You will need to submit the following documents along with your application:

• Official Transcript/Grade Report/Report: Submit your most recent reflecting your cumulative GPA. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable but should clearly display your first name, last name and school logo.
• Letter of Recommendation: This should be a substantive letter in support of your academic or professional qualifications from a department chair, professor, advisor, mentor or employer. It should not come from a family member or friend. You must enter the recommender’s email address directly into the online application so they can submit their letter directly to TWC; please ensure you have their up-to-date email address. Please inform your recommender that their letter must be received no later than the application deadline for your application to be considered. TWC cannot accept Letters of Recommendation that are submitted by applicants.
• Resumé: Submit a resumé reflecting work experience, volunteerism, awards, leadership and extra-curricular activities; if possible, highlight the type of transportation experience you are seeking.
• Writing Sample
  • Undergraduate Students: Submit an essay (one-page, double-spaced, minimum 12-point font) focused on your transportation interests and how participation in STIPDG will enhance your educational and career plans and goals. Do not submit an essay written for a class or on another topic.
  • Graduate Students: Submit an essay (two-pages maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font) focused on your transportation interests and how participation in STIPDG will enhance your educational and career plans and goals. Do not submit an essay written for a class or on another topic.
  • Law Students: Submit a legal writing sample (five-pages maximum). Please choose an excerpt of a longer piece if you do not already have a short legal writing sample

The deadline for applications generally falls in late January.