April 15, 2025
Exciting things are happening this summer at the Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2)! We’re proud to announce that 13 exceptional students have been selected to join us at the Adaptive Experimentation Facility (AEF) at Fort Andrew as part of the 2025 CMI2 Ignite Internship Program!
“We continue to be inspired by the enthusiasm and quality of Clay County students, and we look forward to building on this momentum in years to come,” said Walter “Wally” Hatfield, Vice President for Training and Experimentation at CMI2. “The future is bright in West Virginia, and I’m excited to continue working with the next generation of innovators and leaders.”
CMI2 Ignite offers Clay County students work experience opportunities with our experienced on-site staff, allowing them to gain on-the-job training in a dynamic environment at our Fort Andrew facility.
The 13 new interns will join the nine carry-over interns from our successful 2024 program, totaling 22 interns for the 2025 summer program. The 2024 program had 26 interns for the summer, and nine interns were invited to continue their journey of innovation, learning, and hands-on training, working with us at Fort Andrew throughout the year.
For the 2025 summer program, interns participating will engage in various tasks related to Experimentation, including support for special events and domestic operations; Technology Integration, focusing on course and site development and red teaming support; and Community Involvement, which entails implementing strategic partnerships, community outreach, and engagement initiatives. Additionally, they will provide operational support, leadership education, and assistance to all division components across Fort Andrew.
Empowering Futures Through Partnership
The CMI2 Ignited Internship opportunity for 2025 is again made possible through the support of elected officials, including Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw and Senator Glenn Jeffries, and our valued partners at the State of West Virginia, including the Career Connections Paid Work Experience Program, via the Workforce Development Board of the Mid-Ohio Valley, and the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Together, we are investing in the future workforce of West Virginia and providing meaningful, hands-on experience for emerging talent across the Mountain State.
Investing in the Future of West Virginia
We’re committed to offering a real-world, high-impact learning environment where interns can grow their skills, explore new paths, and contribute to meaningful work.
The CMI2 Ignite opportunity was created for Clay County students — and thanks to the incredible support of Clay County High School, it’s thriving.
“We’ve been proud to see past Ignite participants go on to achieve success both in college and in academic pursuits,” Hatfield said. “Their experiences at Fort Andrew give them a foundation of confidence, practical skills, and purpose that serve them well long after this opportunity”
For the second year in a row, more than 40 applications for the CMI2 Summer internship program were submitted. This milestone reflects the passion, drive, and potential of students in this community.
Thank you, Clay County High School!
A heartfelt thank you to the teachers, administrators, and staff at Clay County High School for hosting interviews and equipping candidates with the tools for success. From sharpening interview skills to strengthening resumes and preparing students for real-world training opportunities, your dedication is creating a lasting impact for the Mountain State.
We are grateful.
