Summer 2025 AFIT Engineering and Physics Research High School Internship

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
AFIT-2025-0014-HS
How to Apply

Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

Description

The Air Force Institute of Technology is offering a Summer 2025 Engineering and Physics Research High School Student Internship at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. This opportunity will allow for remote/hybrid participation, with any potential on-site travel to be negotiated with the host agency. 

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers to perform research in topics related to nuclear science and engineering.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in various research activities, including:

• Collecting experimental data
• Analyzing results and simulating environments of interest
• Quantum Information and Sensing
• Nuclear Science and Weapon Effects
• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cyber Security
• Materials, Extreme Environments, and Optical Sciences
• Remote Sensing and Radiation Detection
• Hypersonics and Re-entry Vehicles
• Radiation Effects on Electronics

Where will I be located?  

The participant will have the ability to engage remotely with potential for periodic travel to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

What is the anticipated start date?

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. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length? 

Research interns are typically appointed for a term of 10 weeks, with the possibility to be renewed for additional periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the provisions? 

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. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About AFIT

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. A component of Air University and Air Education and Training Command, AFIT is committed to providing defense-focused graduate and professional continuing education and research to sustain the technological supremacy of America’s air, space and cyber forces.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. 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. 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. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense .

Qualifications

This research opportunity is open to current Junior and Senior high school students who are interested in hands-on experience in a real-world laboratory environment. Those candidates who expect to receive a high-school diploma/GED by May 31, 2027 are eligible to apply. The focus is on personal career development in the areas of STEM, providing opportunities to collaborate and network with other students and researchers. 

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• Programming experience
• Basic Physics coursework

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

If you have questions, send an email to AIRFORCE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [AFIT-2025-0014-HS] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing.  Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

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Point of Contact
Leslie
Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a High School Diploma/GED.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )
• Age: Must be 16 years of age

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