Call for Internships at Bridges-Strong

Academic Year Internship Cohort 2026–2027

About Bridges-Strong

Bridges-Strong is a Virginia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between educational access and innovation. As described on bridges-strong.org, we deliver practical, engineeringfocused educational programs for adults in underserved communities across the United States and Latin America. Our programs are offered in both English and Spanish and are open to all interested participants.

Founded in late 2024 by Dr. Rosa Diaz, Bridges-Strong develops pilot programs that demonstrate that innovation is not reserved for the privileged. Through hands-on learning, real-world applications such as water purification and filtration engineering, and collaborative problem-solving, we equip individuals to address local challenges, create sustainable solutions, and drive technological and economic progress in their communities.

Reflections on the Summer 2026 Internship Program

The Summer 2026 program was the second internship cohort at Bridges-Strong. Over approximately three months, a dedicated team of interns collaborated to research, organize data, and produce documentation and educational videos for our flagship Water Purification program. Leveraging AI tools for efficient searching, content organization, and drafting, the interns developed their technical skills while creating materials in both English and Spanish.

Working fully remotely, the interns applied agile methodologies and project-management practices to function as a cohesive team. By the conclusion of the cohort, they had completed the first module of the program, contributed to the infrastructure required for successful delivery of online lessons, and advanced work on two additional modules. These resources are now positioned to educate hundreds of adults in underserved areas, helping them understand critical water-safety concepts and inspiring entrepreneurial activity in environmental engineering. The interns ’contributions also supported the launch of the first test rollout, demonstrating how collaborative, technology-supported efforts can expand educational equity.

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. 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 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: 7–8 hours per week

  • 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.