Lizemores, WV – August 12, 2026 – The Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) brought STEM education to life this summer through its 2026 Ignite summer internship program at Fort Andrew, in Lizemores, WV, where interns gained hands-on experience designing, testing, and solving real-world challenges.
Building on prior Ignite internships, the 2026 program curriculum evolved from an emphasis on operational and skilled workforce experiences to a greater focus on STEM-driven innovation and leadership. Participants worked alongside mentors on projects that challenged them to turn ideas into working solutions beyond a classroom setting.
“This summer, we intentionally shifted our focus toward immersive STEM experiences and tested the new approach with a smaller group of interns,” said Aly Gregg, CMI2 Vice President of Communications. “We found that a summer packed with technical projects, practical skill development, teamwork, and service to the community had a real impact.”
Rather than simply learning about the equipment, interns had opportunities to work directly with the tools and processes used to create the technology. Along the way, interns developed experience in 3D modeling and 3D printing, plasma and Computer Numerial Control (CNC) equipment, basic direct current electronics, soldering, inventory management, drone operations, and carpentry.
For example, robotics became a significant part of the summer curriculum in 2026, with interns completing more than 40 hours of robotics design, building, and competition. The experience required participants to troubleshoot problems, refine designs, work as a team, and apply STEM concepts in a practical environment.
“The original goal for the Ignite internship program was to create full-time summer work opportunities in Clay County,” Gregg said. “Every year we change it up to ensure it is a rewarding experience for these students.”
Throughout the summer, interns also contributed to significant projects with immediate, real-world impact. Their work included the construction and development of the inaugural Tinker Tank™, a mobile platform designed to expand access to hands-on STEM experiences in rural communities, as well as building the 2nd Order Effects (2OE) Hourglass drones to support real-world experimentation, testing, and innovation.
“This year’s smaller group provided an opportunity for us to test more focused, hands-on experiences, and the results were terrific,” said Gregg. “From STEM-centric opportunities like robotics and drones to skilled trades experiences, like electronics and carpentry, our 2026 interns spent the summer learning through doing.”
The summer opportunities extended beyond building technical skills to serving the local community. Throughout the Ignite Summer Internship, interns volunteered with the Mountaineer Food Bank to help address food insecurity in rural West Virginia. Since 2024, CMI2 staff and interns have supported the organization’s efforts in Clay County, where Fort Andrew Ignite interns are given opportunities to volunteer as part of their 10-week internship experience.
On Friday, August 7, 2026, CMI2 welcomed families for a Family Day and awards event. Each of the interns received four certificates recognizing the range of work they accomplished throughout the summer, including:
- Internship 2026 – Certificate of Completion, recognizing successful completion of the Ignite Summer Internship.
- 2OE Drone Build – Certificate of Appreciation, recognizing their efforts in building drones to support the Rapid Operational Innovation Detachment Driving Innovation in a Realistic Training Days event at Camp Grayling, MI.
- Basic Robotics – Certificate of Completion, recognizing more than 40 hours of robotics design, building, and competition.
- TINKER TANK/ILLUME – Certificate of Recognition, honoring their contributions to building the inaugural TINKER TANK and helping expand STEM impact in rural communities.
Jaxon Brown received a special challenge coin in recognition of his outstanding work this summer.
“We have always wanted our internship opportunity to evolve and change, and we have embraced that mindset,” Gregg said. “Our incredible team at Fort Andrew has proven over the past four years what happens when students in Clay County are given access to tools, mentors, and room to experiment; it’s outstanding.”
The CMI2 Ignite program annually offers full-time summer internship opportunities for students in Clay County and those attending Clay County High School. Learn more: https://www.cmi2.org/community/
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About CMI2 Ignite
The CMI2 Ignite internship program is an annual summer employment opportunity in Clay County, West Virginia, powered by ILLUME, a technology and innovation-focused education and workforce training program which stands for Innovating, Learning, Leading, Uniting, Making, Experimenting. Support for the Ignite internship program within ILLUME is generously funded in West Virginia with grants from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.
