Air Force High School Internship Programs: Launching STEM Careers

The Department of the Air Force provides numerous internship programs, summer programs, and fellowships designed to give students valuable experience and skills. These opportunities not only help fund education but also open doors to new career paths, facilitate networking with STEM professionals from diverse disciplines, and prepare students for future careers in defense STEM fields. These programs are available across the Department of the Air Force.

Overview of Air Force Internship Opportunities

The Air Force recognizes the importance of investing in future generations of scientists, engineers, and leaders. Through various internship programs, the Air Force provides students and recent graduates with unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience, contribute to real-world projects, and explore potential career paths within the Department of Defense (DoD).

Key Internship Programs

Several key internship programs are available through the Air Force, each catering to different academic levels and career interests. These programs offer a range of experiences, from research-focused internships to those emphasizing practical application and leadership development.

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program provides stipend-paid apprenticeship opportunities. These opportunities are for undergraduate and graduate-level university students pursuing STEM degrees, as well as upper-level high school students. Select locations also offer opportunities to university students pursuing education-related degrees and K-12 professional educators.

Participants gain hands-on experiences working with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research and technology. They contribute to unique, research-based projects. The AFRL Scholars Program is administered by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA).

Beyond traditional science and engineering domains, the program encompasses fields such as Business Administration, Cybersecurity, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal, Psychology, and more.

Premier College Intern Program (PCIP)

The Premier College Intern Program (PCIP) prepares college juniors for promising career fields within the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS). These fields include Science and Engineering, Cybersecurity, IT, Acquisition, and other mission-critical specialty positions.

During the 10 to 12-week summer internship, students work side by side with current AFCS and military professionals. This allows them to gain invaluable hands-on experience and make 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.

Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), combines education and workforce development for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students. SMART offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students pursuing a degree in one of the 21 STEM disciplines. SMART Scholars receive full tuition, annual stipends, and employment with the DoD after graduation.

For every year of degree funding, the scholar commits to working for a year with the Department of Defense (DoD) as a civilian employee. Summer internships prepare scholars for full-time employment and get them accustomed to working with the DoD.

Read also: Interning with the US Air Force

Wright Scholar Research Assistant 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. This is done 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.

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.

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.

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.

Read also: Modern Learning Platform

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Student Internship Program (SIP)

A unique opportunity to experience the work environment in the Department of Defense while still in school. Jump start your career in public service with a federal internship! The Student Internship Program (SIP) exposes current students to the Army Civilian Corps and career opportunities with emphasis on STEM and mission critical occupations.

DOD College Acquisition Internship Program (DCAIP)

The DOD College Acquisition Internship Program (DCAIP) is an opportunity for Army acquisition organizations to hire eligible college students for a 10-week paid summer internship.

DFAS Intern Program

The DFAS Intern Program is a paid summer internship that provides developmental opportunities and career exploration experiences to college students who are interested in pursuing a civilian federal career upon completion of their academic program.

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.

NOTE: Students must contact the individual sites for information and application materials. NSF does not have application materials and does not select student participants.

Eligibility and Application

Eligibility for Air Force internship programs varies depending on the specific program. However, common requirements include U.S. citizenship and passing a background check. Many programs also require enrollment in an accredited educational institution, ranging from high school to graduate level.

The application process typically involves submitting an online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Some programs may also require interviews or additional assessments.

Benefits of Participating in Air Force Internship Programs

Participating in Air Force internship programs offers numerous benefits, including:

Hands-on experience: Interns gain practical experience working on real-world projects alongside experienced professionals.
Career exploration: Internships allow students to explore different career paths and determine their interests and strengths.
Networking opportunities: Interns have the opportunity to network with STEM professionals and build relationships that can benefit their future careers.
Skill development: Internships help students develop valuable skills in areas such as research, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
Financial assistance: Many Air Force internship programs offer stipends or scholarships to help students fund their education.
Potential for full-time employment: Some internship programs, such as PCIP and SMART, offer participants the opportunity to transition into full-time, paid positions with the Air Force after graduation.

Air Force Academy and Summer Seminar

For high school students interested in a military career, the United States Air Force Academy offers a unique path. Junior year is when the application process for the Academy truly begins. The United States Air Force Academy is extremely selective and comes with its own unique set of requirements. Submit a completed Pre-candidate Questionnaire.

Summer Seminar at the United States Air Force Academy gives students the opportunity to experience life on campus firsthand. During Summer Seminar, you will be assigned to an “element” or group, with an upper-class cadet as your Element Leader. Students are selected to participate in Summer Seminar based on a “whole-person concept” that includes demonstrated leadership experience or potential in extracurricular and community activities, athletics and academics.

Summer Seminar is NOT in any way a prerequisite for admission to the Academy. It is also NOT a prescreening or preselection program. All students applying for Summer Seminar are encouraged to apply for appointment to the Academy, regardless of selection for Summer Seminar. If you are not selected, it should not be interpreted as a reflection of your qualifications or ability to successfully pursue an appointment.

Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities

The Air Force Civilian Service is committed to ensuring that disability is never a barrier to success. The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) is a federal program connecting employers with qualified candidates with disabilities for temporary employment and potentially permanent positions. The program provides invaluable federal work experience to those who qualify, offering the potential of securing permanent positions upon completion of the program. If you’re a student or recent graduate with a disability, you know better than most just how much you have to contribute - if only given the chance.

tags: #air #force #high #school #internship #programs