Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Internships: Launching Your STEM Career

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) offers a multitude of internship programs designed to cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders. These opportunities cater to a diverse range of students, from high school to graduate level, and provide invaluable hands-on experience within the Air Force ecosystem. This article explores the various internship programs available at WPAFB, highlighting their unique features and benefits.

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program provides stipend-paid internship opportunities for students pursuing STEM degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Select high school students are also eligible. This program offers a chance to work alongside leading scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects.

Awards to Stimulate and Support Undergraduate Research Experiences (ASSURE)

The Awards to Stimulate and Support Undergraduate Research Experiences (ASSURE) program focuses on supporting undergraduate research in disciplines relevant to the Department of Defense (DoD). It provides valuable research opportunities, either through ongoing research programs or projects specifically designed for undergraduate students.

COPPER CAP Program: Contract Specialist Career Preparation

The COPPER CAP Program is designed to prepare college graduates for careers as contract specialists. Trainees work directly with professional contracting officers, receiving formal and on-the-job training in all aspects of contract management. This includes requirements definition, solicitation preparation, price justification, negotiation and award, and contract administration.

AFRL/DAGSI Student-Faculty Research Fellowship Program

The AFRL/DAGSI Student-Faculty Research Fellowship Program supports science and engineering graduate students and faculty who conduct research in areas targeted by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. A two-person team, consisting of a graduate student and a faculty member, submits a research proposal in one of the designated target areas.

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HPC Modernization Program (HPCMP) Workforce Development (WD) Initiatives

The HPC Modernization Program’s (HPCMP) Workforce Development (WD) initiatives aim to equip future workforce candidates with the computational skills and experience needed to bridge the gap between technological capability and the skills necessary to support the DoD’s future Warfighter needs. This program contributes to achieving the HPCMP’s overarching goals.

Leadership Experience Growing Apprenticeships Committed to Youth (LEGACY)

Leadership Experience Growing Apprenticeships Committed to Youth (LEGACY) represents a Department of the Air Force initiative focused on identifying and retaining young American talent to build the future workforce.

Minority Leaders Research Collaboration Program (ML-RCP)

The Minority Leaders Research Collaboration Program (ML-RCP) facilitates collaborative research partnerships between AFRL and academic institutions. This program engages a diverse pool of talent in addressing fundamental research challenges that support the nation’s air, space, and cyberspace technology needs.

Palace Acquire (PAQ) Program: Cultivating Civilian Scientists and Engineers

The Palace Acquire (PAQ) program is an Air Force initiative dedicated to recruiting, training, and developing college graduates to become professional Air Force Civilian Scientists and Engineers. PAQ provides comprehensive training and development, mentoring, and practical work experience leading to full-time employment.

Pathways Program: Federal Internship and Employment Opportunities

The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates, and those with advanced degrees. It serves as a gateway to federal careers.

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Premier College Internship Program (PCIP): STEM Career Pipeline

The Premier College Internship Program (PCIP) prepares program participants for future science, technology, engineering, mathematics, cyber, acquisition, intelligence, mission-critical, and vocational/technical specialty positions within the Air Force Civilian Service. The 2023 PCIP Olympics gave interns a chance to have fun and socialize. The symposium hosted interns slated to work in fields such as civil engineering, logistics, intelligence, cyber and information, auditing, defense contracting and more. The theme of the event was, “Be Premier,” encouraging interns to continuously strive to be the best in every endeavor. “The PCIP program excites me because of the opportunities it provides for me to succeed,” said Elizabeth Londell, Logistics Intern, Auburn University at Montgomery.

AFRL/RI Internships: Research Opportunities at Rome, NY

AFRL/RI Internships, located in Rome, NY, are paid summer opportunities for students enrolled in accredited colleges or universities, from freshman to PhD levels. Interns work on-site with AFRL researchers, primarily in fields like Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Math, and Physics. Travel and housing assistance are available for those traveling more than 50 miles. AFRL/RI partners with the Griffiss Institute to execute the RI Internship Program.

AFRL Science and Technology Fellowship Program (STFP)

The AFRL Science and Technology Fellowship Program (STFP) is a prominent AFRL research associateship program.

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 educational and workforce development opportunities for STEM students.

Sensors Directorate Internship Program

The Sensors Directorate Internship Program provides a research internship experience in a collaborative environment. It brings together experts from the U. S. Air Force, universities, and industries to address layered sensing modalities, artificial intelligence, aerospace components and sensor components, multispectral exploitation and detection, spectrum warfare, and high-performance computing to enhance Air Force capabilities. Students may be appointed to a temporary or a flexible-length term appointment.

Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE)

The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) enhances the research capabilities and professional relationships of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) technical directorates with researchers in related technical areas, using high school and college students. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) sponsors this program and makes all fellowship award decisions.

Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program: High School STEM Immersion

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. The goal is to foster 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.

Program Manager (PM) Intern Program

An Acquisition Program Manager leads a team of multi-functional professionals in the acquisition and support of Air Force weapon systems: aircraft, weapons, training systems, IT and business systems at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). As an Air Force program manager you will be responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of an acquisition program to achieve the cost, schedule, performance and sustainment goals of your customers, the men and women who fly, operate, or maintain this country’s most advanced aircraft and systems. Your primary role will be that of the team leader. You will be "the buck stops here" individual who must be able to solve problems and make decisions by leading and motivating a diverse group of individuals to perform as a cohesive and effective team. The acquisition program manager must have organizational and people skills, communication skills, and analytical skills. Additionally, as the leader of a multi-functional team, the program manager must be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of the other team members (logistics managers, financial managers, engineers and contracting specialists, etc.) Experienced, senior program managers often manage an entire aircraft program, like the F-22 Raptor. But as a new program manager, you will more often be responsible for a piece of a major program, like the modification of an item that is integral to an aircraft. These are full time (40 hour/week) positions at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The training program for an acquisition program manager is extensive, lasting three years (two years if you have a Master's Degree). After successful completion of the PM Intern program, the individual is offered a full-time journeyman PM position. In addition to classroom training, some of which will be cross-functional, much of what you learn will be on the job, working with experienced program manager mentors. Undergraduate Degree is required with no less than a 2.95 GPA cumulative (must submit official transcripts) Masters’ Degree is encouraged (must submit official transcripts). Ability to obtain a Security clearance is required. These appointments will be primarily for summer 2025, with exact start dates determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.

Stipends and Appointment Details

Research interns are typically appointed for a term of 10 weeks, with the possibility of renewal for additional periods. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFIT. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. The Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for technical professional continuing education. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. These appointments will be primarily for summer 2025, with exact start dates determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.

Important Information for Base Visitors

Due to increased security measures, non-affiliated personnel no longer have free entry to the base employment office. However, you can apply for any positions listed on the employment websites. If you need to visit the Civilian Personnel Office, you'll need a visitor's pass from the 88th Security Forces Squadron Pass & Registration Center at Bldg 286, in Area A, near the Gate 15A (OH State Route 844) entrance. This facility can provide passes for short-term visits to Civilian Personnel, Building 2, 2000 Allbrook Drive. All visitors to Wright-Patterson must have a sponsor. Contractor personnel are prohibited from sponsoring guests onto the installation. The visitor request form cannot be used for foreign nationals. For personal assistance, call the Civilian Personnel Office at 937-257-8305 or the Security Forces Pass & Registration Center at 937-257-6506. Current government employees can register in USA Jobs to search for new job postings.

Air Force Culture and Leadership

Day one of the event focused on the Air Force as an institution. A briefing from Edwin Bujan, Chief, Force Renewal Programs, highlighted Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr.’s Accelerate Change or Lose Strategic Approach. A mentoring session with Maj. Gen. Troy E. Dunn focused on character and leadership. “When you are faced with big problems, always remember that people matter and character matters. Interns visited the National Museum of the United States Air Force to talk with historians about the heritage and legacy of the service. Lt. Gen. Carl E. Schaefer spoke about leadership. “In the Air Force, we want inspirational leaders,” said Schaefer.

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