Navigating AFRL Summer Internships: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Opportunities

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) offers a wide array of summer internship programs designed to provide students and educators with hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and technology. These programs cater to various academic levels and disciplines, promoting STEM education and workforce development. This article provides a detailed overview of the AFRL's summer internship opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application processes.

Overview of AFRL Internship Programs

AFRL provides numerous on-site opportunities for STEM students and educators, allowing them to explore disciplines and career paths within the Air Force Research Laboratory. These internships, fellowships, and summer programs offer invaluable experiences working alongside full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on research-based projects.

AFRL Scholars Program

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program offers stipend-paid internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate-level university students pursuing STEM degrees, as well as upper-level high school students. Select locations also offer internships to university students pursuing education-related degrees and K-12 professional educators. The selected interns gain valuable hands-on experiences working with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research and technology and are able to contribute to unique, research-based projects. AFRL Scholar internship opportunities are offered at several locations across the United States. Beyond traditional science and engineering domains, the program encompasses fields such as Business Administration, Cybersecurity, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal, Psychology, and more. Scholars Professionals (SPs) engage in mentor-developed research for one year under the guidance of a mentor at Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB). Upon completion of the first year, professionals present a discipline-appropriate capstone deliverable showcasing their research outcomes.

LEGACY (Leadership Experience Growing Apprenticeships Committed to Youth) Program

The LEGACY (Leadership Experience Growing Apprenticeships Committed to Youth) program is three phases designed for students from age 11 to completion of their bachelor's degree.

Wright Scholar Research Assistance Program

The Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program is an Air Force Research Laboratory initiative designed to expose high school juniors and seniors to various disciplines of engineering and science in an effort to further their interest in future STEM career options. Wright Scholars are competitively selected to work as full-time, paid interns for 9 weeks during the summer. A selection panel uses a “blind” review system to score and rank student applications (personal data is removed from applications prior to review to prevent biases). Selected students are then matched with a mentor to work on a research project for the duration of their internship. The program is open to students in grades 11-12.

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Pathways Program

The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with an advanced degree. The Department of State's Pathways Internship Program includes both the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). Both programs provide students with opportunities to explore Federal careers while being paid for the work performed. The program is open to U.S. citizens enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate school and professional academic levels.

Recent Graduates Program

The Recent Graduates Program targets recent graduates of trade and vocational schools, community colleges, universities, and other qualifying educational institutions or programs. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion. Veterans who, due to military service, were unable to apply for positions, will have up to two years from their release or discharge from active duty, not to exceed six years after degree and/or certificate completion. Successful applicants will be placed in a one-year career development program.

Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF)

For more than three decades, the Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF) has been the Federal government's premier leadership development program for advanced degree candidates. The Program focuses on developing a cadre of potential government leaders. Under the regulations proposed by OPM, the eligibility window for applicants is expanded, making the program more "student friendly" by aligning it with academic calendars.

Awards to Stimulate and Support Undergraduate Research Experiences (ASSURE) program

The Awards to Stimulate and Support Undergraduate Research Experiences (ASSURE) program supports undergraduate research in DoD relevant disciplines, providing valuable research opportunities for undergraduates, either through ongoing research programs or through projects specially designed for this purpose. DoD executes the ASSURE program collaboratively with the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites Program. Students must contact the individual sites for information and application materials. NSF does not have application materials and does not select student participants.

SMART Scholarship

The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students. SMART offers scholarships for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students currently pursuing a degree in one of the 21 STEM disciplines. SMART Scholars receive full tuition, annual stipends, and employment with the DoD after graduation. SMART provides the research leaders of tomorrow with not only an education, but a career.

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Repperger Research Intern Program

This 10-week educational internship program posthumously honors Dr. Daniel W. Repperger, who mentored many young people during his 35-year research career with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), by providing research opportunities for students to participate in research projects at one of the Air Force facilities under the mentorship of an AFRL scientist. Scientists have been selected to mentor Repperger interns because of their technical knowledge, research experience, and willingness to help science and engineering students enhance their learning through participation in an actual Air Force research project. The available research opportunities span many STEM fields, including Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Kinesiology, Physics and several other areas of study.

Autonomy Technology Research Center

The Autonomy Technology Research Center is a summer internship of approximately 14 weeks that draws both undergraduate and graduate students from colleges throughout the United States to take part in research projects with mentors from the Air Force Research Laboratory, primarily out of the Sensors Directorate. The ATR Center program is a collaborative research opportunity focusing on Air Force sensing and autonomy technologies, including sensor processing, object detection, navigation, and malware defense. The program is facilitated in partnership with the Griffiss Institute. Common fields of study include Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.

Advanced Course in Engineering (ACE) Cyber Leadership Program

ACE is an immersive cyber warfighting and leadership summer internship available to undergraduate students, ROTC Cadets, select active duty of similar experience, and select international officers and cadets. The graduate level curriculum covers leadership during crisis situations, the science of mission assurance, the art of cyber warfare, and written/verbal communication skills. Through the ACE program, interns apply what they have learned through challenge problems, practical exercises, and written reflections.

Defense Civilian Training Corps

The Defense Civilian Training Corps is a congressionally-mandated talent development program that provides a multidisciplinary, active-learning curriculum with summer internship projects at DoD organizations. DCTC is a highly selective pilot program that provides a 100% tuition scholarship and prepares scholars for a direct pathway into DoD acquisition-related careers. DCTC scholars represent the future of the workforce and are selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process. Partnerships with the military departments and their organizations will provide scholars with student internships, projects, and future DoD employment.

Premier College Intern Program (PCIP)

The Premier College Intern Program provides college juniors for a number of promising career fields within the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS), including Science and Engineering, Cybersecurity, IT, Acquisition, and other mission-critical specialty positions. Over the 10 to 12-week summer internship, students will work side by side with current AFCS and military professionals, gaining invaluable hands-on experience making tangible contributions to real-world projects. Following college graduation and completion of PCIP, participants may qualify for a full-time, paid position within one of AFCS’ comprehensive training programs.

Summer Faculty Fellowship Program

The Air Force Research Laboratory Summer Faculty Fellowship Program offers hands-on exposure to Air Force research challenges through 8 to 12-week research residencies at participating Air Force research facilities. colleges and universities are encouraged to apply. institution they choose.

National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship

The three-year NDSEG Fellowship covers full tuition and all mandatory fees, a monthly stipend, and up to $1,600 a year in medical insurance.

Defense Associated Graduate Student Innovators Program (DAGSI)

The Air Force Research Laboratory Defense Associated Graduate Student Innovators Program (DAGSI) supports graduate science and engineering students and faculty who conduct basic research in aerospace technologies as designated by AFRL at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The program seeks to strengthen research ties among Ohio’s academic STEM community and increase collaboration opportunities in the area. Two-person teams consisting of a graduate student and a faculty member will submit a research proposal in their application. All projects involve applied research in aerospace technologies and originate from research topics provided by the four AFRL Directorates headquartered at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio: Airman Systems (RH); Aerospace Systems (RQ); Materials & Manufacturing (RX); and Sensors (RY). Graduate students and faculty from any of the seventeen university members of the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Research Officers’ Council (ROC) with graduate science and engineering programs are eligible to participate. Research Fellows collaborate with AFRL personnel, and each team devises a customized research plan with their AFRL sponsor, potentially utilizing on-base, off-base, or combined facilities. Faculty members actively participate in research, guiding students and engaging with AFRL sponsors.

PALACE Acquire (PAQ) Program

During the PALACE Acquire developmental training, students work shoulder to shoulder with over 17,000 Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) scientists and engineers around the globe on challenging and rewarding projects. These students make real contributions and gain invaluable real-world experience as well as on-the-job training and mentoring from civilian and military scientists and engineers.

COPPER CAP (COP) Internship Program

The COPPER CAP Program helps to prepare college graduates for contract specialist careers. Trainees work with professional contracting officers and receive formal and on-the-job training in all aspects of contract management, including requirements definition, solicitation preparation, price justification, negotiation and award, and contract administration.

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) - National Research Council (NRC) Research Associateship Programs

Air Force research facilities across the country. Since 1966, the Air Force S&T Enterprise has hosted over 1,000 fellows under the NRC Research Associateship Programs and many of these researchers have gone on to successful careers in government laboratories. Prior to completing an application, prospective applicants should contact their proposed Research Adviser to assure that funding will be available if their application is recommended by NRC Research Associateship Program panels. Once mutual interest is established between a prospective applicant and a Research Adviser, an application is submitted through the NRC Research Associateship Programs online system.

NSF and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) partnership for submissions to the NSF INTERN Program

The NSF and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) have entered into a partnership to support the training of graduate students to meet both the NSF's strategic workforce development objectives as well as the AFRL's mission to lead the discovery, development and delivery of new technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. NSF will consider supplemental funding requests that enable PIs (or Co-PIs) to request up to six months of additional support for graduate students supported on active NSF grants with the following goals: To provide graduate students with the opportunity to augment their research assistantships or NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) fellowships with AFRL research internship activities and training opportunities that will complement their academic research training; To allow graduate students to pursue new activities aimed at acquiring professional development experience that will enhance their preparation for multiple career pathways after graduation; and To broaden the participation of the students from all fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The PI or co-PI of an active NSF award may request supplemental funding for one or more graduate students to gain knowledge, skills and experiences that will augment their preparation for a successful long-term career through an internship at the AFRL. It is expected that the internship will be on-site at the AFRL (headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio) and will be research-focused within a relevant STEM field. To be eligible, graduate students must have completed at least one academic year in their graduate programs (master's or doctoral), be making satisfactory progress towards the completion of their degree and must be a US Citizen. This opportunity is open to PIs (or Co-PIs) who are supporting graduate students through any active NSF award, including institutional Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) awards. The organizations within AFRL that are interested in hosting graduate students and their associated Core Technical Competencies (CTCs) are: Aerospace Systems Directorate (AFRL/RQ), Information Directorate (AFRL/RI), Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX), Directed Energy Directorate (AFRL/RD), Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RW), Sensors Directorate (AFRL/RY), Space Vehicles Directorate and 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW). Each supplemental funding request must include the NSF-AFRL INTERN DCL title and announcement number in the summary section of the proposal and include the following components: A two-page summary that describes the internship. The request must include a concise statement from the graduate student describing how the activity will better prepare her/him to enter the workforce. A resume of the graduate student (up to 2 pages) that contains the following information: Educational Preparation, Institution, Major, Year of study (1st year, 2nd year, etc.), Summary of graduate coursework completed, Professional employment history and Publications. A letter of collaboration from an authorized official at the AFRL Technology Directorate that will host the student that describes the internship opportunity and the mentoring that will be provided to the student during the internship. The letter must confirm that the student meets AFRL requirements to be allowed to intern at AFRL. A letter from the PI that confirms that the student meets the eligibility requirements specified in this DCL. The letter must describe how the proposed internship activity will contribute to the student's graduate education experience and how it may impact time to degree. The NSF awardee and the AFRL must agree in advance as to how intellectual property (IP) rights will be handled. A signed agreement on IP (including publication and patent rights) must be submitted prior to the award of the supplemental funding. A budget and budget justification. The total amount of funding requested must not exceed $55,000 per student per six-month period. Funds may be used to support travel, tuition and fees, health insurance, additional stipend, and temporary relocation costs for the graduate student. Up to $2,500 may be used for the PI or the graduate research fellow's advisor to travel to work with the host organization in co-mentoring the student during the internship. Up to $2,500 may be used for materials and supplies to support the student during the internship. The supplement funding will provide up to six months of support for an internship. Up to two supplemental funding requests may be submitted on a grant per student. This would allow the student up to two internship periods up to six months each (i.e., a maximum of 12 months per student). Supplemental funding requests may be submitted at any time with a target date of April 15 for each Fiscal Year. Requests for supplemental funding submitted in response to this DCL will be reviewed internally by NSF Program Officers. Awardees are required to have a policy or code of conduct that addresses sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, and sexual assault. The awardee should coordinate with the AFRL to provide orientation to graduate students to cover expectations of behavior to ensure a safe and respectful environment, and to review the awardee and AFRL's policy or code of conduct addressing sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, and sexual assault, including reporting and complaint procedures.

General Eligibility Requirements

While specific requirements vary by program, some common eligibility criteria include:

Citizenship: Most programs require U.S. citizenship.
Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled or accepted at an educational institution, taking at least a half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate for the semester immediately preceding the internship. Note that this requirement does not apply to professional educators.
Academic Standing: Good academic standing is generally required. A grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is highly encouraged for all applicants.
Age: Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.
Availability: Must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for summer internship positions.
Relocation: Must be willing to temporarily relocate to the physical work location.
Transportation: Must be able to take personal responsibility for arranging transportation to and from the worksite each day. Scholars should not rely on transportation from anyone who does not already have base access.

Application Process

The application process typically involves:

Online Application: Complete the online application form, ensuring all sections are marked "complete" and certified.
Resume: Submit a detailed resume highlighting relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.
Transcripts: Provide unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are generally required. These should come from individuals familiar with your educational and professional qualifications.
Statement of Interest: Clearly articulate your interest in the program and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.

Key Considerations for Application

Application Deadlines: Application deadlines may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying.
PII Removal: Do not upload any documents that contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
Contact Information: Provide all requested contact information to facilitate official paperwork and communication.
Mentor Contact: Check the specific program guidelines to determine if contacting mentors is permitted or encouraged.

Selection Process and Notification

After the application closes, mentors evaluate and rank the applicants based on their STEM experience, courses taken, GPA, resume, and letters of recommendation. Selections are typically made within 4-6 weeks after the application closes, and internship offers are extended based on mentor selections and available program funding. Offer timelines are based on funding availability and can vary from year to year.

Program Details and Stipends

Internship Duration and Timing

The AFRL Scholars Program offers summer internships, with a very limited number of positions also available during the fall and spring semesters. Start dates may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying. End dates are based on student availability and funding. Scholars may take up to one week of leave in the summer, as long as they meet the 8-week minimum time requirement. Scholars will not be paid for their time off.

Stipends and Benefits

Participants receive a monthly stipend to help defray living and other expenses during the appointment. Stipend rates are determined by AFRL and are based on the participant’s educational level at the time of their application. Every participant is required to demonstrate health insurance coverage within several days of starting their appointment and throughout the duration of the internship. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. Additional pre-appointment contingencies may be outlined in your offer letter from ORISE.

Housing and Living Arrangements

If selected, scholars will have access to message boards through which they can communicate with other selected scholars to find suitable roommates.

Specific Program Highlights

Repperger Research Intern Program Details

The available research opportunities span many STEM fields, including Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Kinesiology, Physics and several other areas of study. Scientists have been selected to mentor Repperger interns because of their technical knowledge, research experience, and willingness to help science and engineering students enhance their learning through participation in an actual Air Force research project.

Autonomy Technology Research Center (ATR Center)

The Sensors Directorate specializes in affordable sensor and countermeasure technologies for various defense systems. The ATR Center program is a collaborative research opportunity focusing on Air Force sensing and autonomy technologies, including sensor processing, object detection, navigation, and malware defense. The program is facilitated in partnership with the Griffiss Institute. Common fields of study include Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.

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