Virginia Cyber Navigator Internship Program

Information about the Program

The Virginia Cyber Navigator Internship Program (VA-CNIP) is managed by a coalition of Commonwealth of Virginia Universities and Colleges partnering with the Virginia Department of Elections and industry to educate students about protecting critical infrastructure including our election and voting systems. The university network is led by the University of Virginia and includes George Mason University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Tech.

VA-CNIP interns provide cybersecurity support services to local election offices in Virginia during a 10-week paid internship. The program was estabilished in the 2021-2022 Academic Year and the first cohort of VA-CNIP interns supported 14 Virginia localities in Summer 2022.The program includes a 2-day kickoff meeting at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and 10 weeks of hybrid in-person and remote activities during the summer.

It is expected that students will be able to work remotely, however we do expect students to have occasional face-to-face meetings with their assigned locality supervisor. Students will also be assigned academic mentors to facilitate their learning experience.

VA-CNIP interns will receive an $9,000 stipend for a 10-week, 30 hours per week engagement with a Virginia local election office, plus additional $3,000 for travel-related expenses.

Requirements

• You must have completed IT 425 Election Security with a grade of A- or better. If you are enrolled in IT 425 at the time of application but have not yet completed the course, you may receive a provisional acceptance decision, contingent to successful completion of IT 425. The course will be offered in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.
• You must be able to legally work for the University, but U.S. citizenship is not required.
• You must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, as you will be interacting with local election officials.

How to Apply

Complete the application form and submit the following documents:

• Resume: include details about any prior internships.
• Cover Letter with Statement of Interest: explain why you are interested in this internship program.
• Unofficial Mason Transcripts: if transferred from another institution, also include transcripts from that institution.

We will accept applications on a rolling basis, but priority will be given to applications received by January 31, 2024. For questions, please contact Dr. Massimiliano Albanese.