Connecting with NUWC
Connect and Collaborate
Polaris Tech Bridge, through a Partnership Intermediary Agreement, is able to offer industry and academia opportunities to engage with Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Division Newport, including research and funded programs.
Summer Programs
Open to faculty and students of US colleges and universities.
Applications will be accepted until January 1, 2027.
All NUWC Newport Summer Program Participants are REQUIRED to be a US Citizen.
Under its Partnership Intermediary Agreement with NUWCDIVNPT, URI Research Foundation/Polaris Tech Bridge may perform services that increase the likelihood of success in the conduct of cooperative activities between NUWCDIVNPT and academia.
Faculty Program
The NUWC Summer Faculty Program hosts college and university faculty as well as industry professionals in NUWC department laboratories where they take part in real naval research for 10-contintious weeks. This program will provide ongoing research partners between faculty, industry professionals and NUWC Newport experts. These mixed groups of professionals will be admitted for a 10-contintious week program starting on different dates and expected to end before the end of August each year.
This is a paid appointment where professionals will obtain an interim secret-level clearance and work with Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) personnel. Working professionals will work alongside NUWC Newport personnel on Navy related research projects. This collaboration will help create a pipeline for those participating colleges and universities to NUWC Newport.
Stipend
Faculty: $19,000
Student Internship Program
The NUWC Student Internship Program hosts college and university students in NUWC department laboratories where they take part in real naval research for 10-contintious weeks. This program will provide academically talented college students, graduating seniors, and graduate students pursuing STEM careers the opportunity to learn about naval research and technology while receiving first class mentoring by top scientists and engineers. Three mixed groups of students will be admitted for a 10-contintious week internship starting on different dates and expected to end before the end of August each year.
This is a paid internship where students will obtain an interim secret-level clearance and work with Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) personnel. Students will be connected with a civilian subject matter expert, familiar with the Navy’s technical challenge, to work with and learn from. They will also receive additional professional development and coaching as part of this program.
Student Stipends
Undergrad: $7,500
Returning Undergrad: $9,000
Graduate Student: $11,500
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the NUWC Summer College Internship Program?
The program is a 10-consecutive week, paid summer internship offering college students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working alongside scientists and engineers at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Division Newport, on real-world Navy research and technology projects.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Undergraduate students, graduating seniors, and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), or related technical disciplines are encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet program eligibility and security requirements.
3. What types of projects will interns work on?
Interns may support projects involving engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, autonomous systems, underwater acoustics, software development, artificial intelligence, and other technologies supporting the Navy’s mission. Assignments are based on student qualifications and available research opportunities.
4. Is the internship paid?
Yes. This is a paid, 10-week summer internship. Compensation details:
Undergrad: $7,500
Returning Undergrad: $9,000
Graduate Student: $11,500
5. Do I need a security clearance?
Yes. Selected students must be eligible to obtain an interim Secret-level security clearance. Applicants do not need to possess an existing clearance when applying.
6. Where will the internship take place?
The internship takes place at NUWC Division Newport in Newport, Rhode Island. This is a fully in-person internship.
Address: 1176 Howell St., Newport, RI, 02841
7. Will I receive mentorship and professional development?
Yes. Each intern is paired with a NUWC civilian scientist, engineer, or technical subject matter expert. Students also participate in professional development activities and career exploration opportunities.
8. How are students selected?
Students are evaluated based on academic qualifications, technical skills, areas of interest, and alignment with available NUWC projects. Final selection is subject to security and onboarding requirements.
9. Can this internship lead to future employment?
Although future employment is not guaranteed, the internship provides valuable experience, professional connections, and exposure to civilian STEM careers with the Navy and the broader defense technology industry.
10. How do I apply?
Interested students must submit an application through the official program application process. Application deadlines, required documents, and contact information are included on the program page and advertised announcements.