Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Internship Program

GCAPS is pleased to announce its 2023 Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Internship Program. The program aims to provide meaningful on-the-job training and real-world leadership development experiences in the cybersecurity field. There are four internships available to Danville-area and southern Virginia high school students.

Internship

Interns for this program will participate in a 9-week research effort centered on vehicle-to-everything (V2X) security concerns and potential vulnerabilities and any current solutions to those security concerns and vulnerabilities. Ideal applicants will have a strong interest in cybersecurity topics, connected vehicle technology, and automotive safety.  The summer program will culminate in a finalized research report produced by the internship team.

Interns will be responsible for assisting the research team by investigating research topics, compiling information, and analyzing results for an organized research study. Interns are expected to possess strong attention to detail and have excellent communication skills to proficiently perform daily research tasks. Interns will be expected to collaborate with other interns, be independently driven and productive, and be available to attend virtual meetings with team members and GCAPS personnel during working hours.

This is a paid experience with professional expectations. Interns will receive a stipend in the amount of $2,500 paid in two installments upon completion of assigned milestones over 9 weeks. Interns will work with a GCAPS mentor to set a detailed work schedule during the intern orientation.

Interns will work remotely from home and will require access to high-speed internet and sufficient computer equipment for attending virtual meetings, conducting research-related internet searches, word processing, spreadsheet analysis, and creating presentations.

GCAPS reserves the right to modify and/or cancel the internship program. Modifications could include a shortened timeframe with a pro-rated adjustment to the paid compensation, alternate assignments, and/or adjustments to the work-site location. The GCAPS Internship Program does not provide local housing or a housing allowance.

Internship Timeline

  • Deadline for completed application: May 5, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. ET
  • Candidate interviews (via Microsoft Teams): May 15-18, 2023
  • Intern notification of selection: May 22, 2023
  • Mandatory orientation date: June 12, 2023

Application Requirements

To be considered for the 2023 GCAPS-CCI Internship Program, candidates must be:

  • Located in the Danville area or southern Virginia
  • A current high school senior OR recent high school graduate with plans to attend college in 2023

All applicants must submit:

  • GCAPS-CCI Internship Application (through MajorClarity or this form)
  • Personal Statement*
  • Resume
  • Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)
  • Financial Need Statement (Optional)*
  • ONE letter of reference from an individual capable of evaluating your work performance, academic experience, and/or technical skills

*PERSONAL STATEMENT: A short personal essay (approximately 300 words) discussing your academic and career plans, interests related to the internship, motives for applying for the GCAPS- CCI Internship Program, and how you feel this experience will further your intellectual, educational, and career goals.

*FINANCIAL NEED STATEMENT (OPTIONAL): This is a short statement (200-300 words) that explains why you would benefit from receiving a paid internship. How are you currently financing your education? What difficulties have you faced when paying for your education? What other forms of financial assistance have you applied for and/or received? (Please note that ALL applicants are welcome to submit this statement.)

GCAPS-CCI Internship Program Application

For additional information, contact Frank Della Pia at fdellapia@gcaps.net.