U.S. Coast Guard and NobleReach Launch AI and Robotics Internship to Advance National Security

The newly established U.S. Coast Guard Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Program Executive Office (PEO) partners with the non-profit NobleReach to accelerate cutting-edge and autonomous technologies through 14-week internship program

Washington D.C. – August 26, 2025 – In partnership with the United States Coast Guard, NobleReach announced a 14-week internship program in Washington D.C. to support the newly established Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Program Executive Office (PEO). The fall 2025 internship cohort consists of five undergraduate and graduate students studying artificial intelligence, engineering or science-related fields from across the United States.

The program is full-time, on-site in Washington D.C. for the September-December Fall 2025 semester. Students are afforded a $10,000 stipend and are eligible to receive university credit for the program, subject to individual institution approval.

“The Coast Guard is harnessing the power of robotics and artificial intelligence to sharpen decision-making, accelerate operations, and modernize how we serve the Nation,” said Anthony Antognoli, Assistant Commandant and Program Executive Officer for Robotics and Autonomous Systems from the United States Coast Guard. “This internship will immerse students in real-world national security challenges, giving them the opportunity to help shape the future while developing the skills to lead it.”

Students will have responsibilities across three key areas during their internship program, including:

1. Search and rescue enhancement: Developing AI-based methods for object detection in maritime environments.
2. Pollution response optimization: Assisting in the development of AI systems to assess oil spills and other environmental threats.
3. Platform integration and data infusion: Analyzing current Coast Guard data and system integration challenges.

Other core projects include data infrastructure development, AI/ML model support, large dataset management, and minimum viable products (MVP) development.

“This program is about putting brilliant minds on the front lines of America’s security challenges,” said Linda Bixby, PhD., Executive Vice President for Academic Partnerships at NobleReach. “By pairing hands-on experience in AI and robotics with mentorship from the Coast Guard, we’re preparing a new generation of innovators who can think, build, and lead in service to the nation.”

If successful, the program will serve as a model for expanding STEM internship opportunities across federal agencies, strengthening America’s technological edge in the years ahead.

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Katharine Viles

Director of Communications

katharine.viles@noblereach.org

About NobleReach Foundation: 

NobleReach™, a nonprofit based just outside Washington, D.C., seeks to strengthen our nation’s security and prosperity through talent and innovation. We inspire the next generation of changemakers to bridge the divide between the private, public and academic sectors to solve big technological challenges. Drawing on our network of over 50 university partners and our curriculum programs, our talent initiatives provide federal, state and local governments with top mission-driven STEM talent, and our innovation programs transform cutting-edge research into ventures in the national interest.