Students accepted into the START program choose from a group of projects to explore a research question. Each project is led by a faculty mentor and may have multiple students. The hands-on research and engagement with the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) community enriches students' academic experience. They also develop technical skills and increase their ability to be competitive in higher education and the STEM workforce.

A student's overall contribution to the project is referred to as his or her Discovery Opportunity. Completion of a Discovery Opportunity involves meeting research targets along the way. Those targets may involve a range of possible tasks that include learning how to use instruments, attending academic conferences, running experiments and/or presenting their work.

Students also may have the opportunity to work on research projects and interact with peers from partner institutions and have campus tours.

Four-year partners

Additional partners

The goal of the START program is to increase student retention and success in the Associate in Engineering and Associate in Science programs. The program also aims to improve scientific, engineering and quantitative literacy.

Eligibility requirements

• Enrolled as a Wake Tech student during the internship
• At least 18 years old
• Aspire to transfer to a four-year university
• Interested in a future career or degree program related to STEM
• Legally eligible to work in the U.S.
• Able to dedicate 60 hours per semester to the internship (40 hours of research, 15 hours for a weekly seminar, five hours of campus tours and community building), along with an oral or written communication piece
• Willing to participate in an evaluation study related to the grant

NOTE: Students who applied for a START internship in the previous semester but weren't selected are ineligible to apply.