DoW STEM

Grades

High school students (grades 9-12)

Age

Typically 14-18 years old

Citizenship

U.S. citizenship may be required for some internships and fellowships (typical for Department of War programs)

Prerequisites

Interest in STEM; some programs may require specific coursework or GPA minimums

Steps

1. Visit dowstem.us and explore 'Upcoming STEM Events & Deadlines'
2. Review available opportunities through DoW STEM partner organizations
3. Identify specific programs aligned with your interests (robotics, internships, competitions, etc.)
4. Check individual partner organization requirements and application procedures
5. Submit applications directly through partner organizations or designated platforms
6. Complete any required assessments or interviews for internships/fellowships

Materials Needed

• High school transcripts
• Resume or CV highlighting STEM involvement
• Personal statement or essay (requirements vary by program)
• Letters of recommendation (typically from teachers or mentors)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (for some opportunities)
• Evidence of STEM coursework or extracurricular involvement

Timeline

Applications vary by partner program; DoW STEM website lists 'Upcoming STEM Events & Deadlines' with specific dates. Start preparing in fall for spring internships; many opportunities have rolling deadlines throughout the year.

Cost

Most DoW STEM opportunities are free or heavily subsidized; specific partner programs may have different costs

What Judges Look For

• Genuine interest in STEM careers and military/defense applications
• Academic performance in STEM subjects
• Demonstrated STEM extracurricular involvement (clubs, competitions, projects)
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Ability to work in teams and follow directions
• U.S. citizenship and security clearance eligibility
• Communication skills and professionalism
• Potential to pursue STEM careers in defense/military sectors

Scoring

Not publicly detailed; likely evaluated holistically based on academic qualifications, STEM experience, essays, and letters of recommendation. Partner organizations may have specific rubrics.

Common Mistakes

• Applying to opportunities without meeting basic eligibility requirements
• Submitting generic essays that don't demonstrate specific interest in DoW/military STEM work
• Weak or incomplete application materials
• Missing deadlines (vary significantly by partner program)
• Insufficient evidence of STEM engagement outside academics
• Not researching military/defense applications of your STEM interest
• Providing poor references or recommenders who don't know you well

Acceptance Rate

Unknown; varies significantly by specific partner program. DoW STEM coordinates multiple opportunities with different selectivity levels.

Applicants

Not publicly disclosed

Winners / Selected

Varies by program; can range from 20-200+ depending on the specific opportunity

• Start by exploring the 'Video Library' on dowstem.us to understand DoW STEM careers and work being done—this helps authenticity in applications
• Identify which military branch/laboratory aligns with your interests (Navy, Army, Air Force, etc.) and target programs accordingly
• Emphasize how your STEM interests connect to defense, national security, or military innovation challenges
• Get involved in STEM competitions and clubs beforehand to strengthen your application
• Secure strong recommender letters from teachers who can speak to your STEM abilities and work ethic
• Write a compelling personal statement explaining why DoW/military STEM appeals to you specifically
• Check the dowstem.us 'Find DoW STEM & STEM Partners' section regularly for new opportunities
• Apply to multiple DoW STEM partner programs to increase chances of acceptance
• For internships, demonstrate commitment to potentially pursuing a career with the Department of War
• Show understanding of how your STEM field contributes to national defense or military operations
• Participate in SeaPerch, robotics, or other hands-on DoW STEM programs before applying for internships

How to Prepare

• Take rigorous STEM coursework: Advanced Placement or Honors courses in Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics
• Join or start a robotics team, engineering club, or STEM competition group at your school
• Participate in DoW STEM programs like SeaPerch, LabTV competitions, or local STEM challenges
• Research DoW laboratories, military branches, and defense technology applications to understand the organization
• Develop a portfolio of STEM projects and accomplishments
• Build relationships with STEM teachers who can write strong recommendation letters
• Watch DoW STEM LabTV videos and STIx (Science, Technology, Innovation Exchange) content to understand career paths
• Attend STEM camps or summer programs with engineering/defense focus
• Develop proficiency in relevant programming languages or technical skills
• Volunteer or intern in STEM-related fields to gain practical experience

Resources

• Official DoW STEM website: dowstem.us
• DoW STEM Video Library (LabTV and STIx videos)
• Individual partner organization websites through DoW STEM directory
• SeaPerch program resources and guides
• FIRST Robotics competitions
• Science Bowl and similar STEM competitions
• Local community college STEM programs
• Online coding platforms (CodeAcademy, HackerRank, etc.)
• Khan Academy for STEM fundamentals

Time Needed

6-12 months of preparation recommended. Build STEM involvement gradually throughout high school, then dedicate 4-8 weeks to focused application preparation before deadlines.

Successful applicants typically have: strong GPA (3.7+) in STEM courses, active participation in robotics clubs or STEM competitions, demonstrated leadership in school STEM activities, clear articulation of interest in military/defense applications of science and technology, strong letters of recommendation from STEM teachers, prior participation in DoW STEM programs or similar government STEM initiatives. Many have expressed interest in engineering, computer science, physics, or related defense-critical fields.

DoW STEM internships and fellowships are viewed very favorably in college admissions, particularly for STEM-focused programs. Demonstrates serious commitment to STEM careers and government/defense work. Especially valued by military service academies, engineering schools, and colleges with ROTC programs. Shows initiative and real-world STEM experience. Can strengthen applications to top-tier colleges, particularly for engineering, computer science, or national security-related majors. However, prestige tier 3 means it's respected but not at the level of programs like Intel ISEF or major private internships.

• Congressional App Challenge — Tier 3, competition
• ARML (American Regions Mathematics League) — Tier 3, competition
• AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) — Tier 3, competition
• National Science Bowl — Tier 3, competition
• Science Olympiad — Tier 3, competition