May 28, 2026
In early June, CMI2 will welcome the 2026 IGNITE Internship cohort for an immersive hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) summer experience focused on innovation, teamwork, technology, and making a community impact.
This fourth iteration of our Clay County internship program gives students from Clay County High School practical experience while helping them explore future career pathways in STEM and national security fields.
The internship begins on June 2 with onboarding, safety training, makerspace lab protocols, and hands-on introductions to the tools and equipment interns will use throughout the summer. Over the course of 10 weeks, Ignite interns work side-by-side with mentors and instructors at our Adaptive Experimentation Facility at Fort Andrew in Lizemores, West Virginia, gaining exposure to real-world applications of engineering, robotics, drone technology, fabrication, and systems thinking. Along the way, they’ll gain an understanding of how a one-of-a-kind military experimentation facility operates day-to-day.
As the program progresses, students will dive into exciting technical training, including:
- Drone assembly and operations
- Robotics fundamentals and hands-on activities
- 3D modeling and design
- Prototype planning and fabrication
- Systems thinking and mission-based engineering scenarios
In addition to their core STEM curriculum, IGNITE interns will also support CMI2’s Design Innovation Group (DIG) and its team of engineering interns throughout the summer. Together, the teams will collaborate on the continued development and expansion of the CMI2 Tinker Tank — an innovative mobile STEM and maker-space initiative designed to bring hands-on learning opportunities to communities across West Virginia and beyond. This collaboration gives Ignite interns hands-on experience working across disciplines while contributing to a project with lasting educational and community impact.
Beyond technical skills, the Ignite internship emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and service. Throughout the summer, interns will participate in community outreach opportunities, including support for the Mountaineer Food Bank program efforts across the region.
Additional professional development experiences include:
- First Aid, AED, and Stop the Bleed certification refreshers
- Exposure to logistics and day-to-day facility operations
- STEM outreach simulations
- Career pathway counseling and career fair opportunities
The program concludes in August with capstone presentations, certification recognition, and a Family Day celebration where interns will showcase their accomplishments and reflect on their summer experience.
STEM education comes to life when students have the chance to build, create, experiment, and tackle real-world challenges. Our Ignite program gives students hands-on experiences to spark curiosity and help prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators.
We are grateful for the generous support of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation for their continued support of our STEM efforts in Clay County. Their investment helps create meaningful opportunities for students to explore STEM careers and develop valuable skills for the future.
Stay tuned throughout the summer as we highlight the projects, experiences, and accomplishments of this year’s Ignite interns.
