The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is accepting applications from undergraduate and graduate students to intern with DHS, where participants will work on solving critical technology problems alongside DHS professionals.
The Homeland Security Professional Opportunities for the Student Workforce to Experience Research (HS-POWER) program, administered by DHS S&T, began accepting applications on September 1, 2026.
The program is open to students majoring in a broad spectrum of homeland security related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, as well as DHS mission-relevant research areas including the social sciences.
Each intern will be paired with a mentor at DHS headquarters, a DHS component, or a DHS laboratory, giving them the chance to network with DHS professionals and researchers. Over the course of the internship, students will work toward cutting edge research that directly supports the Department's national security mission and goals.
Internships typically last 10 weeks during the summer, starting in June, with flexible start dates. All interns receive a stipend and a housing allowance. Graduate students receive $1,000.00 per week, and undergraduate students receive $800.00. The participant housing allowance is $500.00 per week for both academic levels.
Graduate and undergraduate students from across the United States and its territories are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is December 2, 2026.
DHS S&T said its mission is to enable effective, efficient, and secure operations across all homeland security missions by applying scientific, engineering, analytic, and innovative approaches to deliver timely solutions and support departmental acquisitions. Created by Congress in 2003, S&T conducts basic and applied research, development, demonstration, testing and evaluation activities relevant to supporting Homeland Security and first responder operations and protecting critical infrastructure.