University of Arizona student Akira Jones is in the midst of a project-based summer internship at the Army Geospatial Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Using satellite and geospatial data, she helps predict snowmelt throughout Alaska.

"Using Google Earth Engine's Sentinel-1 SAR dataset, I comb through each desired location and gather backscatter values at different polarizations with the end goal of visualizing how these values change over time with graphs," said Jones, a senior. "This data can improve hydrological forecasting efforts; people can have a better understanding of when these areas will have access to water, which would further aid in any water-related decision-making processes. We can also use these results to see how these locations are affected by climate change."

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Jones earned her internship with the U.S. Army by participating in the U of A Defense Civilian Training Corps Program. The U of A is one of four universities chosen last summer to host the Defense Civilian Training Corps program, also known as DCTC, in partnership with the U.S.  Department of Defense. The ROTC-like program is designed to prepare college students for civilian careers in the Department of Defense acquisition workforce, which includes developing, acquiring, implementing and sustaining new systems, technologies, supplies and services to support national defense.

The U of A was chosen alongside Purdue University, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to host the pilot program. In addition to the project-based summer internships, DCTC provides participating students with full tuition, fees reimbursement, a $2,000 monthly stipend and employment with the Department of Defense upon graduation. 

DCTC also includes a four-semester curriculum meant to develop Department of Defense critical skills, introduce participants to the defense acquisition system through "gamified learning," and provide hands-on, immersive learning activities on campus. U of A DCTC faculty also partnered with Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the U.S. Army’s Fort Huachuca for site visits and facilitated guest appearances in class.

Jones is a member of the program's initial cohort, dubbed Cohort '25 in honor of the members' graduating year. She studies biosystems engineering in the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences and the College of Engineering. After she graduates next May, Jones wants to pursue a graduate degree in geospatial information science and technology – a decision inspired by her time in the DCTC program.

"I have family in the armed services, but I wondered what role I could have as a civilian in the government," she said. "My eyes were opened through the DCTC classes. I didn't realize how big of an impact civilians can have working in the government. It's amazing."

Larry Head, professor of systems and industrial engineering and principal investigator of the U of A DCTC pilot program, said Jones and the rest of her cohort are an inspiring group of students entirely responsible for their own successes due to their "propensity for service, innovation, leadership and diversity of disciplines."

"We had an incredible group of people," he said. "From neuroscience to business management, accounting to software engineering – it was quite a diverse group, and that's what really made them interesting. They listened to each other and shared different opinions and approaches, and they supported each other through everything that was going on."

Jones is not the only student who discovered a potential career path in civilian service with the Department of Defense, thanks to the DCTC program. She and 18 other members of U of A program will share their stories at the DCTC Scholar Showcase, which takes place July 30-31 at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The showcase will bring together DCTC scholars from all four pilot universities, as well as members of school leadership, Department of Defense partners and other guests. Students who participated in the inaugural cohort will present the research results from their summer internship projects while Department of Defense partners and other guests will share insights into their organizations and discuss employment opportunities.

In addition to meeting the rest of her own cohort, Jones will travel to D.C. alongside almost two dozen members of the U of A's recently recruited Cohort '26, including her younger sister, Alana Jones. 

Alana studies business management in the Eller College of Management. She was introduced to the DCTC program by her older sister and applied after learning that students from a variety of academic backgrounds are eligible to participate in the multidisciplinary program. She was accepted as a member of Cohort '26 through a highly competitive selection process and hopes the skills and experiences she gains translate into a successful career as a financial adviser.

"During my time with DCTC, I hope to learn more about what I can do as a business major," Alana said. "I am excited to learn more about the field of financial management within the acquisition system, and how I can play a role in budgeting and managing resources to ensure the warfighter has what they need to accomplish their mission."