Inclusive Opportunity: The Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG) emphasizes providing opportunities to underrepresented groups in transportation, including women and persons with disabilities. 

Professional Experience: STIPDG offers a unique 10-week summer internship for undergraduate, graduate and law students. Participants gain valuable professional experience through hands-on projects and on-the-job training. The program tackles current transportation-related topics, fostering real-world understanding and skills.

Cultivating Leaders: The primary goal of STIPDG is to mentor and cultivate the next generation of transportation leaders. By working closely with professionals in the field, students develop a deeper understanding of transportation issues, enhance their resumes, and build a network of industry contacts.

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. 

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 sophomores, 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 Feb 10, 2025.

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.

Applicants will be called for interviews in February - March.

The solicitation period for the STIPDG 2025 will be from Oct 30 - Feb 10, 2025

To receive consideration, interested candidates must complete the application and submit all required information and documents listed below. To be considered for the Summer 2025 program, all documents must be received no later than February 10, 2025. To receive consideration, interested candidates must complete the application and submit all required information and documents.

1. The STIPDG Application - (link will provided soon; fully address the information requested.
2. Copy of Your Transcript/Grade Record/Report
3. One Reference
4. Your Resume
5. 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 website of our partner, GMG.

—Justine Alcarraz

Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Highway Administration

"I attended district meetings regarding the process and continuation of projects in the Carson City/Reno (Nevada) areas. I also attended seminars to learn more about the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and discussed program improvements with my mentor."

—Aliya Mejias

Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Highway Administration

"​While interning, I focused on three projects, where all of them centered around Complete Streets. I compiled U.S. Department of Transportation-published Complete Streets-related resources for sharing on the Office of Safety's new Complete Streets website. Additionally, I co-authored a memorandum on the sustainability and climate benefits of Complete Streets for internal agency education. Furthermore, I drafted the beginning of a new primer on unique off-road connections of Complete Street networks. I also interviewed the District of Columbia Department of Transportation on their Metropolitan Branch Trail/Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Metro pedestrian bridge."

—Frances Vera

Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

“I’m excited to finally share that I recently completed an internship with the FMCSA Department of Transportation in the Safety Investigation Department! My hands-on experience in safety investigations and regulatory compliance was incredibly valuable.”

—Jamauri Bryan

Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Highway Administration

During my summer with STIPDG, I worked in the DOT's Federal Highway Administration, Office of Infrastructure. I served as an Information Technology and Services intern supporting the Bridge  and Tunnel Safety Inspection team at the DOT's HQ in Washington, DC. I spent my 10 weeks creating automation software to support bridge and tunnel inspections all across the country.  I'm super grateful to TWC and DOT staff for giving me this opportunity to step into public service! 

—Tanesha Golding

Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Highway Administration

"STIPDG was an unforgettable experience that played a significant role in my professional and personal growth. The program emphasized the importance of creating a safe space where people enjoy their work and where diversity is embraced, which is something I find extremely valuable in any job. The skills I gained from this experience are foundational—they're life skills that I'm already applying in my senior year of college. I'm grateful to have been part of STIPDG and to have joined such a supportive and dynamic team."

—Kristina Curtiss

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."

—Shakira Estades-Perez
Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Highway 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!"

—Amber Hinton
Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Railroad 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."

—Kevin Jones
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."

—Daniela Kabeth
Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Motor Carrier Safety 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."

—Joy Liang
Former STIPDG Intern
Federal Highway Administration

"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."

—Velyjha Southern
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."