Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG)
To receive consideration, interested candidates must complete the application and submit all required information and documents listed below. To be considered for the Summer 2023 program, all documents must be received no later than January 31, 2023. Refer any questions or inquiries regarding your application to dotstipdg@twc.edu.
- The STIPDG Application - (https://thewashingtoncenter.force.com); fully address the information requested.
- Copy of Your Transcript/Grade Record/Report
- One Reference
- Your Resume
- A Writing Sample
Undergraduate Students: Submit a typed essay, one-page, double-spaced, minimum 12-point type, on your transportation interests, describing how your participation in the STIPDG will enhance your educational and career plans and goals.
Graduate Students: Submit a writing sample (not to exceed 2 pages) representing your educational and career plans and goals.
Law Students: Submit a legal writing sample (not to exceed 5 pages).
Before submitting an application, please carefully review the important information regarding the application process, eligibility, and benefits on the STIPDG application site.
STIPDG is open to all qualified candidates without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. An important focus of the program is providing opportunities to qualified candidates from groups that have been underrepresented in transportation such as women, persons with disabilities, as well as other diverse groups.
STIPDG is open to all candidates based on the eligibility requirements below and based on the merit and completeness of the student’s application. Additional information on the application process, eligibility, and benefits can be found on the STIPDG application site.
Prospective candidates must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Be currently enrolled in degree-granting programs of study at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Undergraduate applicants must be juniors or seniors for the upcoming Fall Semester. Undergraduate applicants from Junior, Tribal, or Community Colleges must have completed their first year.
- Be enrolled in the upcoming Fall Semester, if a graduate student.
- Law students must be entering their second or third year of law school in the upcoming Fall Semester.
- A candidate 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.
- A former STIPDG intern may apply but will not necessarily receive preferential consideration.
- A candidate will be evaluated based on the "completeness" of the application and the Required Documents listed below. Priority will be given to those with GPA's of 3.0 or better (for the Major and/or Cumulative).
- Be available and able to participate through the duration of the 10-week program.
- Submit a completed application, to the webpage listed above, no later than January 31, 2023.
Upon acceptance into the program, participants are required to go through employment eligibility verification and a background investigation to determine suitability to work for U.S. DOT. Participants will also be required to sign a Code of Conduct and a Participant Agreement.
Dates for STIPDG 2023 are June 5 - August 11, 2023.
Applicants will be called for interviews in February - March.
To receive consideration, interested candidates must complete the application and submit all required information and documents. The solicitation period for the STIPDG 2023 is now open until January 31, 2023. Please click here to apply.
The Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG) was an enriching experience that has led me to where I am today. Through STIPDG, I built strong, lasting relationships with my coach and colleagues at the Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS). I gained professional skills through a variety of assignments and activities including interagency coordination meetings and conferences.
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—Joy Liang
Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Highway Administration
I was selected to participate in the Summer Transportation Internship for Diverse Groups (STIPDG) as a Program Analyst intern in the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Office of Civil Rights. I tested a piloted external reporting portal, participated in workgroup meetings, and ultimately ensured Federal recipients followed applicable regulations and standards. The connections that I made during my internship have been valuable resources that have helped me navigate the agency as well as figure out my place as a Community Planner. If it was possible, I'd be a STIPDG intern again.
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—Velyjha Southern
Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Highway Administration
I had an incredible experience working for the United States Department of Transportation while a part of the Summer Transportation Internship for Diverse Groups (STIPDG). STIPDG helped me develop powerful skills that I can bring to the workforce, as well as allowed me to develop life-long friends. Working in a hands-on program was an invaluable experience that has allowed me to become a better public servant, and that has allowed me to become integrated in the transportation sector.
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—Kristina Curtiss
Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Highway Administration
As a first generation college student with no internship experience, STIPDG gave me the opportunity to gain necessary professional experience and provided a safe space to make those early mistakes that all college interns make. Spending a summer not only learning about, but contributing to our nation’s government was humbling and eye-opening. My STIPDG internship experience was one filled with meaningful work and has led to a life that I never thought was possible.
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—Kevin Jones
Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Highway Administration
Being an intern with STIPDG has been one of the highlights of my college experience. Interning within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enabled me to see firsthand how a Federal agency operates, and it gave me a new appreciation for the diverse roles that a federal agency has to offer. I developed skills that a classroom simply does not offer, and I look forward to putting these skills to work when I hopefully return as a full-time employee one day. As a STIPDG intern, I was doing real, important work. There was never a moment where I felt like I wasn’t a critical asset to the team. Thank you to The Washington Center for hosting such a phenomenal program.
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—Daniela Kabeth
Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
You really don’t know the value of America’s transportation systems until you have the distinct honor of participating in the Summer Transportation Internship for Diverse Groups (STIPDG). As a Strategic Communications Intern in the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Office of Railroad Policy & Development, I toured Norfolk Southern Dispatch Center, led a discussion on Diversity in the Workplace for RPD’s Diversity Resource Group, and created content for FRA’s social media platforms! The valuable resources and networking opportunities this internship offered me has allowed me to develop a deep passion for railroads as well as find my place in the Transportation Industry.
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—Amber Hinton
Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Railroad Administration
STIPDG was my first summer internship and the first experience with Federal government. It makes it very special to be part of my country’s office division, giving me the opportunity to help on the processes that will impact the life quality for my loved ones. Making this possible means a lot for me, achieving another academic goal pursued since few semesters ago, and being a self–discovered opportunity that I made from the first try. Thanks to DOT and STIPDG management for allowing us to keep developing with such incredible opportunities!
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—Shakira Estades-Perez
Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Highway Administration