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.

START applications

The application window for the Spring 2026 semester is open until 10 a.m. November 24.

If you are already a START intern, you do not need to reapply. Applicants who previously applied for Fall 2025 are not eligible at this time but may reapply for consideration in Fall 2026.

• Participating in START makes the student a Wake Tech employee with a job history.
• Students receive $15 an hour for 60 hours of commitment each semester (NOTE: Interns are paid monthly, one month in arrears. For example, they get paid for October work at the end of November.)
• Add real skills and work experience to strengthen a college transfer application
• Learn to use cutting-edge tech used by STEM professionals
• Experience classroom concepts in a practical setting to learn more and improve grades
• Decide if a future in STEM is right for you

Questions? Email [email protected]

This program is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation PD 21‐7980 Advancing Innovation and Impact in Undergraduate STEM Education at Two‐year Institutions of Higher Education grant program, DUE‐2133600.

Wake Tech is an enhanced member of the Council on Undergraduate Research.