VALOR JROTC

Program Description

The VALOR JROTC Program is a highly competitive, paid, six-week summer internship opportunity for Illinois JROTC high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates. Interns provide routine technical support for area of assignment; typically, an experiment or support group. Tasks are accomplished under direct supervision of a Fermilab employee and in cooperation with project teams, scientists, engineers, and support personnel and in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Eligibility

  • Enrollment in an Illinois high school JROTC program
  • Illinois high school junior, senior, or recent high school graduate at time of application
  • Eligible to work in the United States

Application Requirements

Before applying have all requirements ready. Once submitted, access to the application will no longer be available to upload any missing requirements.

  • Online application – Application Walkthrough Video Guide
  • Unofficial Transcript
  • Resume
  • One letter of recommendation (Due date is application close date)
    • After submitting an application, the applicant will receive an email request to provide contact information for individuals writing letters of recommendation. An email link will be sent to identified references to upload their letter of recommendation. Note, reference links are sent only to the individual writing the letter of recommendation and only emailed during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.)
  • Essay – Short answer questions: Please write short (< 200-word) responses to the following questions:
    • What do you hope to get out of this internship experience?
    • How has participating in JROTC prepared you for this unique opportunity?
    • What key skills do you possess that can add value to a team?

Internship Details

  • Salary: $18 per hour
  • Housing: No local/onsite housing is available
  • Transportation: No transportation reimbursement is available
  • Location: Internship is in-person onsite in Batavia, IL & Fermilab Installations

Deliverables

  • Oral Presentation
  • Exit Survey

Key Dates

Application Dates:
November 3, 2025 – March 6, 2026

Program Dates
June 22, 2026 – July 31, 2026

Offer Date
April 2, 2026

Acceptance Date
April 15, 2026

Applications are Closed

To be considered upload all requirements under the Internship Documentation section before hitting the submit button.

Contact Information

Email internships@fnal.gov