Every year, the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland seeks talented undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the Research for Intelligence & Security Challenges (RISC) Initiative internship program. This 10-week paid and mostly virtual program pairs students with faculty mentors from INSURE consortium member institutions and the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. Eligible interns may receive security clearances and be considered for future employment with the U.S. government.

Competitively-selected RISC interns (RISCers) work in teams with mentorship from university faculty and government practitioners. They work on real security and intelligence problems posed by the government. 

Over the 10 weeks, students will conduct research and participate in lectures and regular team development meetings in a shared virtual work environment. The summer program concludes with several days of in-person activities in College Park, MD to discuss project outcomes with peers and visiting experts from DOD/IC and to gain greater context on how the work fits into government sponsors' mission space.

The program is structured for team interactions and engagement with government sponsors. Interns attend weekly seminars and regular team development meetings in a shared virtual work environment (though select projects may require on-site work). Interns then participate in final week briefings and activities in person (with travel support).

Read more about RISC in our 2023 Internship Program Report.