Ignite Internship Drives Innovation and Community Impact

Ignite Internship Drives Innovation and Community Impact

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 […]

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West Virginia Talent + Real-World Technology = Mission Impact

West Virginia Talent + Real-World Technology = Mission Impact

August 10, 2026 For our 2026 Ignite interns, building the 2nd Order Effects (2OE) Hourglass First-Person View (FPV) Drone was more than a technical project—it was an opportunity to put STEM skills into action and see how talent developed right here in West Virginia can contribute to emerging defense technologies, solve real-world challenges, and support […]

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Ignite: Where STEM Meets Service

Ignite: Where STEM Meets Service

July 6, 2026 At CMI2, we believe that innovation begins with people. Preparing the innovation workforce of tomorrow involves equipping students not only with technical skills but also with a strong commitment to service and community. When communities are stable, they’re better equipped to adapt and thrive. That’s why our annual Ignite summer internship program, […]

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United in Purpose: Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence

United in Purpose: Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence

July 3, 2026 Our nation’s 250th anniversary of independence offers an opportunity to celebrate the enduring spirit that has shaped America for generations: resilience, innovation, service, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves. While we may differ in background, perspective, and experience, Independence Day reminds us that we are united by a shared purpose […]

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Building Resilience Through Student-Led Innovation in Clay County

Building Resilience Through Student-Led Innovation in Clay County

June 17, 2026 At CMI2, we believe some of the best ideas come from the people closest to the challenge. That’s why we’re excited to see newly published research from the Georgetown University Berkley School of Nursing highlighting the positive impact of youth-designed blue-green spaces on resilience, mental wellness, and community for Appalachian adolescents. The […]

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CMI2 readies for a Summer of STEM Innovation and Service

CMI2 readies for a Summer of STEM Innovation and Service

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 […]

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CMI2 Joins Clay County “Make It Shine” for the Third Year in a Row

CMI2 Joins Clay County “Make It Shine” for the Third Year in a Row

April 24, 2026 On April 22, 2026, the Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) took part in Clay County’s third annual Make Clay County Shine Highway Clean Up Days event. The Make It Shine brings people across the county together to clean up, including the Clay Board of Education, Clay Health Department, Clay Family Support Center, Rail […]

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Ignite 2026: Building the Future of STEM in West Virginia

Ignite 2026: Building the Future of STEM in West Virginia

March 23, 2026 The CMI2 Ignite 2026 Internship focuses on meaningful work and addresses challenges beyond the classroom. From day one, you take action: onboarding, safety training, and learning about CMI2’s mission demonstrate how innovation delivers real-world impact and supports national security. Then you begin creating. Good news, we’ve extended the application deadline to 11:59 […]

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Igniting the Next Generation: Internship Applications Open for 2026

Igniting the Next Generation: Internship Applications Open for 2026

March 17, 2026 Applications Open for CMI2’s 2026 Summer Internship The Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Ignite Summer Internship Program, our hands-on, mission-driven opportunity designed to empower the next generation of innovators in Clay County, West Virginia. Each summer, the Ignite program brings together […]

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ILLUME Launches Rope Rescue and Wilderness Medicine Program at Braxton County High

ILLUME Launches Rope Rescue and Wilderness Medicine Program at Braxton County High

February 20, 2026   CMI2 has officially launched the inaugural ILLUME Rope Rescue & Wilderness First Aid Course with our partners at Braxton County High School. This first-of-its-kind collaboration marks a significant step for local students and enhances hands-on STEM education in West Virginia. The immersive course instruction will take place on Fridays over the […]

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