Internships and Fellowships
Explore our expansive list of on-site opportunities for a range of STEM students and educators. These internships, fellowships, and summer programs are exciting ways to explore a variety of disciplines and career paths around the country within the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Have questions about one or more of these programs? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
AFRL Scholars
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. Graduate interns are able to collaborate with AFRL on current research and incorporate the research into their graduate work.
Upper-Level High School Students through Graduate Students, including K-12 STEM Educators
Applications Open in October
Image credit: AFRL collaborates with OSU on $3 million congressional microscopy program, by Donna Lindner
LEGACY
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. LEGACY is intended to introduce STEM at a young age, continue growing students' interest in STEM, and eventually hire these students into a STEM-driven Air Force career.
There are three distinct phases of the LEGACY Program, including a final apprenticeship phase that allows a smooth transition to the workforce.
Grade 6 - Undergraduate
Applications Open in January
Image credit: AFRL volunteers growing a LEGACY in materials science, by Marisa Alia-Novobilski
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.
Grades 11-12
Applications Open in November
Image Credit: Wright-Patterson STEM-Diversity and Inclusion Event, by R.J. Oriez
Pathways Program
The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with an advanced degree. There are three different paths available:
Pathways Internship Programs
The U.S. Department of State's Pathways Internship Program includes both the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). Both programs are targeted toward U.S. citizens enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate school and professional academic levels. Both programs provide students with opportunities to explore Federal careers while being paid for the work performed.
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.
Current High School, Undergraduate, and Graduate Students
Applications are Ongoing - You Can Search Internships Here and Recent Graduate Jobs Here
Image Credit: 1. Pathways Programs help build talent pipelines, by Misha King
2. A Pathway to Success, by Thomas Peske
ASSURE
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. A contact person and contact information is listed for each site.
Undergraduate Students
Applications typically close in January
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.
Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Applications Open in August
Image Credit: NSWC PCD selects five SMART Scholars for 2020, by Susan H. Lawson
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. Each scientist has been selected to mentor because of their technical knowledge, experience, and willingness to help science and engineering students enhance their learning through participation in an actual Air Force research project.
Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Applications Open in December
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. It is performed in partnership with Wright State University, which provides labs, housing, communication tools and computational tools for intern projects.
Recent High School Graduates, Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Applications on a rolling basis
Image Credit: Autonomy and Navigation Technology Center, by Michellel Gigante
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. They gain a deep understanding of the impact of their leadership, followership, and problem-solving skills on individual and team success in a contested cyber battlespace.
Rising College Juniors and Seniors
Applications Open in September and Close in December
Image Credit: ACE Cyber Leadership Program Website
Defense Civilian Training Corps
“A new ROTC-like program preparing future DoD civilians.”
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. Through teamwork and innovation, scholars will contribute as national security leaders today to solving DoD challenges.
Undergraduate Students
To apply, reach out to the DCTC Pilot Offices:
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University - DCTC Website pending
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. After this program has been completed, you’ll be placed into a professional-level position at AFCS.
College Juniors and Graduate Students
Application Opens in September and Closes in December
Image Credit: PCIP symposium gives students valuable experience [Image 7 of 7], by Cynthia Griggs
Griffiss Institute Summer Internship Program
The Griffiss Institute Summer Internship Program is a paid summer internship opportunity for students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university at the freshman level through PhD level (U.S. citizens only) to work on-site with AFRL researchers on a wide variety of research projects.
Applicants may now choose from a listing of research project topics that they would like to be considered for. Examples of research topics available are Data Efficient Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Small Unmanned Aircraft System, Neuromorphic Computing, Trusted Software, Quantum Information Sciences and much more. Traveling and housing assistance is available for those who live more than 50 miles from Rome, New York.
Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Priority Application Deadline in January, Final Deadline to Apply in March
Image Credit: Griffiss Institute Summer Internship Webpage
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. Full-time science, mathematics, and engineering faculty at U.S. colleges and universities are encouraged to apply. Faculty members are eligible to bring a graduate student with them; graduate student applications must be completed and submitted to the faculty advisor to be uploaded as a part of their application proposal.
University/College Faculty and Graduate Students
Applications Open in September and Close in November
Image Credit: That’s a wrap: students complete summertime work in Air Force Lab, by Donna Lindner
National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG)
The Department of Defense’s National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship is a portable fellowship that is awarded to U.S. citizens and nationals who intend to pursue a doctoral degree in one of 22 designated STEM disciplines.
NDSEG is a highly competitive program, and recipients are allowed to attend whichever U.S. institution they choose. 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. This program is co-sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Army Research Office, and the Office of Naval Research, under the direction of the DoD’s Director of Defense Research and Engineering.
Graduate Students
Applications Open in August and Close in November
Image Credit: First Annual National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program Conference, by John Williams
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. ROC members include the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT); the University of Akron (UA); Bowling Green State University (BGSU); Central State University (CSU); the University of Cincinnati (UC); Cleveland State University (CSU); the University of Dayton (UD); Kent State University (KSU); Miami University (MU); The Ohio State University (OSU); Ohio University (OU); Shawnee State University (SSU); University of Toledo (UT); Wright State University (WSU); Youngstown State University (YSU); Case Western Reserve University (CWRU); and Northeastern Ohio Medical University.
Faculty and Graduate Students
Topics Posted on DAGSI website in October, Applications Due in February
Image Credit: AFRL researchers explore automation, additive technologies for cost efficient solar power, by David Dixon
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. Successful completion of this recent graduate program may lead to a permanent position in science or engineering at AFCS.
Recent Graduate with a BS, MS, or BS/MS in a STEM-related field
Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis
Image Credit: National Lab Week, by TSgt Jason Couillard
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. Selected candidates complete a 3 to 4-year formal training plan, with annual promotion opportunity based upon successful performance, meeting time-in-grade requirements, and supervisory approval at each grade level.
Recent Graduates (Undergraduate or Masters)
Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis
Air Force Science and Technology Fellowship Program
The Air Force Science & Technology Fellowship Program offers nationally competitive fellowship awards to postdoctoral and senior scientists to perform collaborative research at U.S. 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. The Air Force Science & Technology Fellowship Program continues this tradition of providing high quality research opportunities with Air Force scientists and engineers at Air Force Research Laboratory, the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Prospective applicants to the AFRL Research Associateship Fellowship Program must select a research project from among the large group of Research Opportunities listed on the program website. 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. Reviews of applications to AFRL are conducted four times each year, and review results are available approximately six to eight weeks following the application deadline.
Postdoctoral Students and Career Scientists
Rolling Applications throughout the Year - click here for key dates & eligibility
Image Credit: U.S. Air Force Academy Majors and Research, by Trevor Cokley
Minority Leaders - Research Collaboration Program (ML-RCP)
The Minority Leaders - Research Collaboration Program (ML-RCP) enables collaborative research partnerships between AFRL and academia that engage a diverse pool of talent in addressing foundational research challenges in support of the nation’s air, space, and cyberspace technology needs. This program one of largest endeavors with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), and other Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs). The objective of the ML-RCP is to enable, enhance, and expand the research capabilities of HBCUs, MSIs, and other IHEs through collaborative research efforts with AFRL. Through the ML-RCP funded research projects, students can be extended internships for up to 12 weeks at the AFRL.
College and University Faculty
Rolling Applications throughout the Year - Click Here for Project Opportunity Announcements
Image Credit: Air Force partners with universities in next-generation minority leaders research collaboration program, by Donna Lindner
