The Florida Institute for National Security (FINS) is committed to cultivating a highly skilled, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science-savvy domestic workforce prepared to address today’s most pressing national security challenges. To this end, FINS seeks to establish a direct pipeline between students authorized to work in the U.S. looking to support areas of national security concerns and entities serving the intelligence and defense communities. We provide innovative talent development programs that bridge the gap between academic training and national service, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning, mentorship, and professional growth.

Overview

The FINS Talent Pipeline (FTP) is a year-long, cohort-based professional development and experiential learning program designed to prepare undergraduate and graduate students authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for careers within federal and state entities that serve the intelligence and defense communities in support of national security.

Select students will help conduct paid, practical research involving the application of AI and data science principles in various areas alongside UF Ph.D. students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty members and attend mandatory information and engagement sessions. At the end of the program, FTP Fellows will be provided assistance with pursuing an internship within an entity working to support the national security community.

Program Objectives

• Accelerate workforce readiness by equipping students with relevant technical, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Support national service through exposure to career pathways in federal agencies and national laboratories.
• Enhance access to high-demand careers and opportunities in national security, particularly those requiring strong working knowledge of AI applications.
• Foster multidisciplinary collaboration among students from engineering, computer science, psychology, political science, business, and other fields.

Program Components

Participants in the FTP program benefit from:

• High-impact experiential learning, including mission-driven internships and student projects.
• Mentorship from government, industry, and academic leaders.
• Career readiness training, including resume reviews, mock interviews, and networking support.
• Preparation for internships and positions involving access to sensitive information and that require U.S. Citizenship.
• Workshops, seminars, and site visits focused on national security trends, challenges, and innovations.

Who Should Apply?

FTP recruits highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. Citizens with:

• A demonstrated interest in national security, AI and data science.
• Academic backgrounds in fields such as computer science, engineering, business, public policy, cybersecurity, or related disciplines.
• A desire to engage in mission-oriented work with federal agencies, defense labs, or national security organizations.

Program Benefits

• Hands-on training with real-world relevance.
• Increased competitiveness for government and national lab roles.
• Exposure to multidisciplinary career paths.
• Personalized support for pursuing positions and/or careers that entail being vetted and/or approved for trusted access.

Requirements

Undergraduate and graduate students with over one year of study in a STEM-related field and a 3.5 rounded GPA, who are U.S. Citizens are invited to apply to this program for the Spring 2026 semester where students will work with AI and national security affiliates to support research, gain industry experience and contacts, and potentially intern with Intelligence Community agencies and partners.

Schedule

Students will assist faculty members with research for 5 – 10 hours a week and present their research progress to the rest of their cohort in biweekly meetings occurring either Tuesday or Thursday afternoons around lunch. Once a month, a member of the Defense Community will come to the University to speak about career opportunities, networks, and answer questions. Students will receive a $2,500 lump sum stipend for the semester. At the conclusion of the program, there will be an exit survey and an opportunity to intern with a national security entity.