Student Opportunity: The Summer Transportation Internship Program (STIP) emphasizes providing opportunities to interns in transportation. 

Professional Experience: STIP 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 STIP 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.

STIP 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 STIP 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 STIP 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.

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 STIP 2025 is canceled.

To receive consideration, interested candidates must complete the application and submit all required information and documents listed below. To be considered for the summer program, all documents must be received no later than the due date each year. To receive consideration, interested candidates must complete the application and submit all required information and documents.

1. The STIP Application
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 STIP will enhance your educational and career plans and goals.

Graduate and PhD 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.

—Aliya Mejias

Former STIP 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 STIP 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.”