Academic Year Internship Cohort

2026–2027

Building on the success of prior cohorts, the Academic Year Internship Cohort 2026–2027 invites motivated interns to advance Bridges-Strong’s mission. This cohort is open to all high-school seniors and undergraduate students who are enthusiastic about STEM—particularly engineering—and who work well in collaborative settings. A modest donation received to further young women in STEM helps support targeted outreach and the inclusion of diverse role models in our educational materials. We encourage applications from young women and girls while remaining fully open to every motivated applicant.

In this cohort, interns will continue research and development of educational modules, with emphasis on topics that may include:

• Engineering fundamentals of water filtration

• Advanced engineering concepts in filter design

In addition, the cohort will develop strategies to engage adult learners effectively and to present complex engineering ideas in clear, accessible language suitable for individuals with limited prior formal education. This internship is designed for high-school seniors and undergraduate students who are enthusiastic about STEM—particularly engineering—and who work well in collaborative settings.

Interns will operate as a coordinated team using agile methods that emphasize flexibility, iterative improvement, and continuous feedback. The program is primarily remote, with occasional hybrid meetings available for participants located in the Hampton Roads, VA, region. The full team will convene in weekly virtual meetings (or as needed) with the program coordinator, volunteer engineers, and educators. This structure both strengthens teamwork and reflects professional practice in technology and education.

By the end of the internship, the team is expected to have produced comprehensive materials and videos—in English and Spanish—for at least two new modules. These deliverables will enable underserved adults to acquire practical engineering skills, initiate community-based innovations (such as affordable water-filtration systems), and contribute to improvements in health, sustainability, and economic opportunity.

Key Details

• Start Date: 1 October 2026 (earlier start possible by arrangement)

• End Date: 6 May 2027

• Duration: 31 weeks

• Time Commitment: 4 hours per week (total/year >= 90 hours)

• Location: Fully remote (occasional hybrid meetings for Hampton Roads participants)

• Stipend: Unpaid; participants receive a certificate of completion

• Applications Open: 10 August 2026

• Application Deadline: 11 September 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST (rolling review begins upon receipt)

  Contact For inquiries or accessibility accommodations, email info@bridges-strong.org

Eligibility

• Currently enrolled as a high-school senior or undergraduate student at a U.S. or international institution

• Preference given to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or visa holders

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent

Ideal Candidate Profile

We seek self-motivated individuals who:

• Demonstrate genuine interest in engineering, mathematics, data analysis, or research

• Work confidently within their areas of expertise while collaborating effectively in a team

• Communicate ideas clearly and concisely in writing

• Are fluent in English; Spanish proficiency is a valuable asset but is not required

How to Apply

Applications open on 10 August 2026. Complete the Google Form titled Academic Year Internship Cohort 2026–2027 (a Google account is required). For questions, contact info@bridges-strong.org.

Required Information

• List relevant STEM courses (for example, Physics, Statistics) and describe one skill or experience (coding, robotics, volunteering, etc.) that prepares you for this role.

• Provide an example of your involvement in a STEM activity (robotics club, science fair, research project, etc.) and describe its personal or community impact.

• Explain your motivation for supporting underserved communities, including any experience with diverse populations.

• (Optional) Describe a project or work sample that demonstrates research or problem-solving ability.

Additional Materials

• Transcripts: Unofficial high-school or college transcripts

• Curriculum Vitae: A concise CV (maximum two pages) listing education, volunteer experience, skills, achievements, and relevant interests

• References: Names and email addresses of two academic references. We will request letters with a rapid turnaround (by 25 September 2026). Letters remain confidential unless the applicant waives that right.