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October 10, 2024 | Tom Ballard

IACMI Internship program accepting applications from students and host companies

The internships are offered in both summer and semester formats.

Since 2016, the Knoxville-based Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) has operated an internship program that has been shaping the future of the U.S. manufacturing workforce by providing students with hands-on learning and professional development opportunities.

Designed for undergraduate and graduate students, the program connects participants with industry leaders, offering them a front-row seat to the latest advancements in manufacturing and materials science.

Through partnerships with more than 160 member organizations across the country and funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, IACMI places interns in roles where they actively contribute to projects that drive innovation. This experiential learning sets students on a successful career path. The program’s impact speaks for itself: 100 percent of the interns who have completed the program have received a job offer in industry or acceptance into a graduate program.

The internship program also supports host member organizations, including small and large businesses and academic institutions, by managing and vetting intern applications. Hosts gain access to motivated and skilled interns who can provide valuable assistance on projects while supporting workforce development in the composites industry. IACMI’s cost-sharing structure makes it accessible for companies of all sizes to participate. Small businesses cover 20 percent of intern costs, with IACMI reimbursing the remaining 80 percent, while larger organizations share costs on a sliding scale.

“For students, our internship program brings their classroom learning to life, showing them the real-world impact of their studies,” said IACMI Education and Workforce Manager Amy Keesler. “For host companies, it’s an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and renewed hope in the future of manufacturing as they work alongside the next generation of talent.”

The internships are offered in both summer and semester formats. Summer internships run for 10 weeks, from June to August, with students committing to full-time, 40-hour work weeks. Semester internships are available in the spring and fall, with flexible options that include full-time or part-time commitments, and the possibility of working remotely. These opportunities allow students to immerse themselves in their fields of study while balancing academic requirements.

To be eligible for the IACMI program, students must be U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2, be at least 18 years old at the time of appointment, and provide proof of health insurance. Selected interns receive a competitive hourly stipend—up to $23 per hour for undergraduates and up to $28 per hour for graduate students. In addition, interns may receive up to $300 per week in housing assistance and up to $1,600 for travel expenses, ensuring they can fully participate regardless of financial constraints.

Applications are now open for both industries wanting to host interns and college students who want to serve as interns at these links: interns and industry hosts.



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