The DIVRO program offers each participant the opportunity to work closely with leading research scientists in the Division of Intramural Research and provides hands-on training in a research environment that will prepare them to continue their studies and advance their careers in basic and clinical research. Interns typically work 8-12 weeks at the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD or at the Twinbrook facility at Fishers Lane in Rockville, MD. Internships may begin between mid-May and the beginning of July. They will also attend seminars and workshops hosted by the NEI and by the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE).

DIVRO supports students who are sixteen and older who are enrolled at least half-time in high school or in an accredited U.S. college or university and have completed course work relevant to biomedical, behavioral, or statistical research. Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) or science course GPA of 3.2 or better on a 4.0 scale, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. DIVRO interns are required to present at the NIH Summer Intern Poster Day on August 9, 2012.