United States Department of Transportation

2008 Summer Transportation
Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG)

Internship Period: June 2 - August 8, 2008

Application Deadline: Selections will be made as applications are received, so please apply early! We will continue to accept applications e-mailed or postmarked by February 22, 2008. This is not an on-line application. Print the required forms located in Section C, fully complete them, then send them along with other "Required Documents", in one package to:

U.S. DOT STIPDG
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
HAHR-40, Room E63-433
Washington, DC 20590
2008STIPDG@dot.gov

Group shot of 2007 Interns.

The 2008 Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG) is for students in all majors.

(A) THE 2008 STIPDG PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT)'s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is accepting applications for the 2008 STIPDG. Funded by the FHWA's Office of Civil Rights' On-the-Job Training Supportive Services Program, the objective of the STIPDG is to provide college/university students with hands-on experience and on-the- job training while working on current transportation-related topics and issues. The STIPDG is open to all qualified applicants but is designed to provide qualified women, persons with disabilities, and members of diverse groups with summer opportunities in transportation where these groups have been under represented. To apply for this year's program, follow the instructions listed below for the "2008 STIPDG Eligibility Requirements" and the "How To Apply for the 2008 STIPDG/Application Requirements".

(B) THE 2008 STIPDG ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be U.S.Citizens.
Applicants must 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 fall of 2008. Undergraduate applicants from Junior, Tribal, or Community Colleges must have completed their first year
Law Applicants must be entering their second or third year of law school in the fall of 2008.
Applicants who are scheduled to graduate during the spring or summer semesters of 2008 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. In all instances, the applicant must submit with their completed application packages, documentation (with the school's logo) reflecting their status. (There will be no exceptions.)
Former STIPDG interns may apply but will not necessarily receive preferential consideration.
Applicants 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 Cumulatively).
Applicants must be available and able to participate in the 10-week program.
Applicants must submit a completed application, to the e-mail or address listed, postmarked by the February 22, 2008 deadline.

The United States Government does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. The STIPDG is open to all applicants based on the eligibility requirements that follow and based on the merit of the "Required Documents" requested under "C."

(C) HOW TO APPLY FOR THE 2008 STIPDG/APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To receive full consideration and review, applicants must complete and submit all "Required Documents" requested below, sending them to: U.S. DOT STIPDG, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, HAHR-40, Room E63-433, Washington, DC 20590, postmarked no later than February 22, 2008, or e-mail 2008STIPDG@dot.gov. "Required Documents" include:

The actual 1-page, 2008 STIPDG Application (stipform.pdf, 506 KB - requires a Acrobat^® Reader^®). FHWA Privacy Policy
A copy of your most recent Transcript/Grade Record/Report.
At least one reference (if possible with comments) from a department chair, professor, advisor, employer using the attached Reference Form.
A current Resume, reflecting work experience, volunteerism, awards, leadership, and extra-curricular activities.
And the actual 1-page, 2008 Applicant's Area of Interest/Geographical Preference Sheet, also included on this site.
For Undergraduate Students: A typed essay, one-page, double-spaced, minimum 12-point type, on your transportation interests, describing how your participation in the 2008 STIPDG will enhance your educational and career plans and goals.
For Graduate Students: A writing sample representing your educational and career plans and goals.
For Law Students: A Legal Writing Sample.

Special Notes/Suggestions:

Applicants who fail to submit all "Required Documents" by the closing date will not receive full consideration, review, or forward for ultimate selection.
All applicants are encouraged to mark/identify as many occupations, offices, and geographical locations as applicable to your career goals. By marking more than one interest and geographical location, you are increasing your opportunities for placement.

(D) HOW THE 2008 STIPDG APPLICANTS WILL BE EVALUATED/SELECTED

Applicants are encouraged to submit all "Required Documents" as soon as possible as selections will be identified on an on-going basis. All application packages will be reviewed, scored, and evaluated based on the merit and completeness of the five "Required Documents":

(1) The 2008 STIPDG Application - Completed application form, (stipform.pdf, 96 KB - requires a Acrobat^® Reader^®); fully address the information requested;
(2) Copy of Your Transcript/Grade Record/Report - submit your most recent reflecting your Cumulative GPA. Priority will be given to Applicants with GPA's of 3.0 or better.
(3) One Reference - print the form at the bottom of this site, have it completed by a department chair, professor, advisor, or employer to include comments, if possible; submit it with your application package;
(4) Your Resume - submit one reflecting work experience, volunteerism, awards, leadership, and extra-curricular activities; preferable supporting the type of transportation experience you are seeking;
(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 2008 STIPDG will enhance your educational and career plans and goals; Graduate Students: submit a writing sample representing your educational and career plans and goals, and Law Students: submit a legal writing sample.

A STIPDG Panel will rate and evaluate all application packages based on a rating system totaling 100 points. Each "Required Document" is worth a total rating of 20 points. As few as "0" points can be awarded for "Required Documents" not received at the time of STIPDG Panel Review; and as many as "20 "points can be awarded for "Required Documents" received on time, thoroughly completed, and based on the depth and merit of the submission. All application packages receiving a total/overall rating of 70 points or higher will be forwarded immediately to a U.S. DOT sponsoring Office/s whose assignments best align with the students' interests, major/s, and experiences.

(E) THE 2008 STIPDG DEADLINE FOR SELECTING PARTICIPANTS

The FHWA's Office of Human Resources (OHR) is responsible for selecting from 60 to 100 students, including Law, Graduate, and Undergraduate rising juniors and seniors from across the country to participate in the 2008 STIPDG. Applicants' submitting completed packages will be reviewed and rated immediately upon receipt. The FHWA's Office of Human Resources will work with the U.S. DOT sponsoring Offices to select the final number of assignments and participants based on the availability of funding for the program, and to include a wide variety of Transportation related disciplines. Primarily, students selected to participate in the 2008 STIPDG will be assigned to a Mentor and project based on their areas of interest and/or majors. Where one-to-one matches cannot be made, applicants may be offered assignments "not directly related" to their majors. The FHWA's Office of Human Resources will notify all students of their status in writing via e-mail confirmations no later than March 23, 2008. Students selected for participation will have 5-business days to reply to the offer e-mails, before the offers may be made to other qualified applicants.

(F) About the 2008 STIPDG PROGRAM EXPERIENCE: MANAGEMENT/BENEFITS

In its 17^th year, the 2008 Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse is a critical component of the U.S. DOT/FHWA's student recruitment efforts. The STIPDG is committed to ensuring a quality experience in transportation. The program is unique because of the many program benefits and features that are listed below.

2008 STIPDG PARTICIPANTS' BENEFITS

2008 STIPDG Stipends: Since the STIPDG experience is a special training opportunity and not a Federal job, participants do not receive annual or sick leave or other Federal Government benefits during their 10 weeks. As mentioned above, students are not Federal employees and become employees of the Contractor selected to manage the daily activities. Law and Graduate Participants will receive a total stipend not-to exceed $5000, and Undergraduate participants will receive a total stipend not- to-exceed $4000, for their 10 weeks. The bi-weekly stipends are subject to taxation in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and are distributed via the payroll account of the Contractor selected to manage the daily activities of the 2008 STIPDG. The Contractor also will be responsible for forwarding a W-2 to all STIPDG 2008 participants for that tax year.
2008 STIPDG Housing: During the program, participants will reside in housing procured by the Contractor. The Contractor is responsible for coordinating and paying for all housing for STIPDG 2008 participants. The Contractor, not the student, is responsible for all 2008 STIPDG housing arrangements. The Contractor verifies with the FHWA that the housing is decent, safe, FEMA-approved, and ADA-compliant and accessible. Housing will be in close proximity to the worksites for approved assignments and can include placement in the Washington, D.C. area or throughout the United States. The program provides funding for shared housing for all participants accepting assignments more than 50 miles (one way) away from their permanent residences. Actual housing accommodations will vary by location and can include college/university quarters. Participants may opt not to accept the shared housing, but will not be reimbursed by the Contractor, U.S. DOT, FHWA, or other participating program office, for housing obtained independently, and without the advanced written approval of the Contractor and Office of Human Resources. Housing is provided solely for 2008 STIPDG participants and cannot be used for non-participants. Participants who fail to honor the STIPDG 2008 housing requirements will forfeit all remaining stipends and other related benefits and will be immediately removed from the program.
2008 STIPDG Transportation and Related Travel: Through the Contractor, the STIPDG 2008 Program pays for all travel and transportation expenses for participants. The Contractor, not the student, will be responsible for procuring, securing, all primary transportation and travel related to the participants' assignments. This specifically includes travel expenses to and from the participants' homes to their assigned summer assignment locations and back, travel associated with conferences, workshops, and field trips specific to the assignments, and travel associated with closeout activities in Washington, D.C. This applies when the assignment is more than 50 miles (one-way) from the participants' residence.
A Special Note Regarding College Credit: Colleges/Universities with students selected for the 2008 STIPDG are encouraged to grant three (3) academic college credits to the interns upon the completion of the program. However, the college or university officials at each institution are the final arbiters of final decisions. Students should discuss arrangements with their institutions, prior to staring the program.

For further information about the 2008 STIPDG:

U.S. DOT STIPDG
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
HAHR-40, Room E63-433
Washington, DC 20590
Serena Matthews, 202-366-1201
2008STIPDG@dot.gov

Frequently Asked STIPDG Q & A's

Admission to the Intern Program

Q. 1	How do I apply?
A.	Please refer to Part C, HOW TO APPLY FOR THE 2008 STIPDG/APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.
Q. 2	What is the deadline for applications?
A.	Completed Applications must be postmarked by February 23, 2008 to receive full consideration for the 2008 STIPDG.
Q. 3	How will applicants be evaluated for the 2008 STIPDG?
A.	Please refer to Part D, HOW THE 2008 STIPDG APPLICANTS WILL BE EVALUATED/SELECTED.
Q. 4	Must I be a U.S. Citizen to participate in the STIPDG program?
A.	Yes.
Q. 5	Are interviews a part of the selection process or a requirement for participation?
A.	Interviews are not a requirement for selection, though interviews may be conducted, either in person or by telephone, to ensure that a potential assignment is well suited to an applicant.
Q. 6	I am now a senior and will graduate in the Spring of 2008; can I participate in the 2008 STIPDG?
A.	Students graduating in the Spring of 2008 may participate, if they have applied for and have a letter of acceptance to graduate school for the Fall Term of 2008 . For more details, please refer to Part B, Number (5), titled: 2008 STIPDG ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
Q. 7	I am in law school. What are the admission requirements for Law Students?
A.	Law Students must be entering their second or third year of law school in the Fall of 2008 . For more details, please refer to Part B, Number (4), titled: 2008 STIPDG ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
Q. 8	When will I be notified if I've been selected?
A.	Selectees will be made as applications are received. All applicants will be notified of their status in writing via e-mail no later than March 23, 2008. Students selected to participate will have five business days to reply by e-mail to the offer before the offer may be made to other qualified applicants.
Q. 9	I have been a STIPDG intern before. Am I eligible to be selected for participation again?
A.	Yes, previous interns may apply and are eligible for participation. However, previous participants will not be given preferential treatment in the selection process.

Participants' Benefits and Responsibilities

Q. 10	Do interns receive compensation? Is STIPDG a paid internship program?
A.	Yes, interns are given assignments that require them to work a standard 40-hour workweek for the 10-week program for which they are compensated with a bi-weekly stipend. Undergraduate Students receive a total stipend of $4,000. Graduate and Law Students receive total stipends of $5,000. Standard local, state, and Federal deductions will be taken based on exemption information provided by the interns. Since the participant's become employees of the Contractor selected to mange the daily activities of the 2008 STIPDG, all bi-weekly payments will be paid via the Contractor's payroll system, and not that of the Federal Government. All deposits will be made as direct-deposits to the participant's preferred banking institution.
Q. 11	I am a senior and have been accepted to graduate school for the Fall term. If I am accepted into the 2008 STIPDG program and participate this summer, will I qualify for the stipend for Graduate Students?
A.	If you are an Undergraduate Student at the time of your application, you will be considered for an assignment at the undergraduate level and will receive the stipend level paid to undergraduate interns. Only matriculating Graduate Students will receive the graduate level stipend.
Q. 12	Will I be considered a government employee during my internship?
A.	No, 2008 STIPDG participants are not Federal Government employees, nor will they receive Government benefits during their 10-week internship. They will be employees of the Contractor selected to manage this program for the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration.
Q. 13	What is the normal work schedule and location?
A.	Work schedules are typically forty hours per week, comprised of eight hour days worked Monday through Friday. However, interns and Mentors may agree to modify the schedule to suit the work assignment. The work location is typically in a U.S. Department of Transportation modal administration in Washington, D.C. (Headquarters), or at a participating field location. The work site may also include a State DOT office or partnering organizations. All assignments require a mentor employed by the Federal Government, particularly, the U.S. DOT or a U.S. DOT Modal Administration.
Q. 14	How is a placement site determined?
A.	Assignment location is based on numerous factors, the most important being the applicant's major, preference for a particular modal administration, and to an extent, geographic preference. STIPDG program officials attempt to match these preferences with available assignments based upon further consideration of the applicant's skills, background (like courses taken in a particular area of study), and interests. Critical Point: Submission of all "Required Documents" will ensure the immediate review and rating of your package. Delays in submitting the required documentation will further delay the Selection Panel's ability to rate, review, and refer your package to sponsoring U.S. DOT offices that may be interested in someone with your major/s and interest/s.
Q. 15	Does a STIPDG internship qualify me for college credit at my college or university? How do I go about arranging to get credit for my assignment?
A.	The colleges and universities attended by participating interns are encouraged to grant academic credit to interns upon completion of the 10-week program. However, the college or university officials at each institution are the final arbiters of any decision to do so and students should discuss the granting of credit, in advance, with their respective institutions. Institutions may contact the STIPDG Program Manager at 202-3661201 to discuss the specific nature of an assignment to assess content and relevance.

Housing, Transportation, and Expenses

Q. 16	Is transportation provided to the assignment location?
A.	Yes, interns living more than 50 miles (one-way) from their assigned location will be provided transportation from their residence to the assignment location at the beginning of the program. Interns placed in assignments in field offices or sites outside of Headquarters will spend the last week of their internship in Washington D.C. attending end-of-program activities and will be provided transportation from D.C. back to their residence. Interns who choose to drive to and from their assignment location at the beginning and end of the program, in lieu of airplane fare, will be reimbursed travel costs for travel in their privately owned vehicle.
Q. 17	Is housing provided?
A.	Yes, interns who live more than 50 miles (one-way) from their assignment location will be provided housing. In locations where there are multiple assignments, interns will be asked to share housing with one or two roommates. Participants are housed with participants of the same gender. They share living quarters in a lodging based on Government-approved standards for housing.
Q. 18	May I choose to secure my own housing and have the STIPDG program reimburse me for my housing costs?
A.	Interns may secure their own housing. However, interns wishing to use or choose their own housing will not be reimbursed or provided a housing allowance by any component of the 2008 STIPDG.
Q. 19	If I drive my car to my STIPDG assignment, and I am asked to use my privately owned vehicle while performing my assignment, can I be reimbursed for expenses associated with my assignment?
A.	Yes, if you use your own vehicle *while performing duties* of your STIPDG assignment, you will be reimbursed for mileage, tolls and parking. However, you *must* have the advance *in writing approval* of the STIPDG Contractor and the Office of Human Resources STIPDG Program Manager. The Mentor will be consulted for such occurrences.
Q. 20	I have a family member or friend coming to visit; may they stay in the housing provided by the2008 STIPDG Program?
A.	No. STIPDG housing is provided solely for STIPDG participants and cannot be used for non-participants. Participants who do not respect this rule will be asked to leave the program immediately and will forfeit all remaining stipends and other tangible and non-tangible benefits associated with the program.