Spending your summer working in one of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and Centers will provide you with an unparalleled experience in STEM career fields. You will receive formal mentorship from a professional scientist or engineer and receive guidance and coaching that will help you on your STEM career journey.
A stipend is provided for participants. The stipend amount varies by location and program duration.
The information in this section is based on 2022 AEOP application cycle. The application typically opens from December - February.
More information can be found here: https://www.usaeop.com/program/high-school-apprenticeships/
General information about student including student's guardian email address and phone number, country and city of birth. Be prepared to share your pronouns, ethnicity, and race.
*If you are 17 or younger, your parent or guardian will need to authorized and initial portions of the application. Please have your parent present when you are applying.
You must be:
A US Citizen or legal permanent resident
currently enrolled as a high school student and at least 14 years of age
Additional requirements maybe made by the participating labs
You will be asked to provide a personal statement of purpose/writing sample explaining why you want to participate in in AEOP apprenticeship this summer. Include an explanation of how this experience will contribute to your future education and career goals. (1000 words or less)
Before you begin your application please make sure you have the following information ready to provide or upload.
Provide your cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale, weighing all courses equally. There is a calculator provided in the application to help you determine your GPA. Additionally your school counselor could help if you are unsure.
You will need to list the high school, advanced placement, and college level courses you have completed or are currently taking in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and indicate which ones you are most interested in. For courses you have completed, please provide your final grade. (500 words or less)
Additionally you will need to list the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities in which you participate. Indicate leadership positions and/or awards received. (500 words or less)
Provide a copy of your unofficial or official academic transcript, academic record, or a copy of your most recent report card.
Teacher recommendations are required. It is highly recommended that you talk to the teachers who you will request a recommendation so they are looking for the email with the link.
You will be asked to provide a resume as well. This is optional but recommended. Find resume tips, tricks, and advice on "How to build your high school resume and turn it into a golden ticket" By Dr. Jesus Ulloa.
AEOP has information sessions for potential applicants. Visit the AEOP site (https://www.usaeop.com/program/high-school-apprenticeships/) as the December application opening approaches for more information.
Your application will be considered by selection committees at a maximum of 5 AEOP. Locations vary year to year. Your apprenticeship will be a "commuter" position. Therefore you will need to live near the location and commute to and from the location as required. Make sure you discuss this with your parent or guardian before applying.
Apprenticeships were offered in Summer 2022 in the locations can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/AEOP22
The dates of the Apprenticeships will vary annually.
The AEOP defines underserved participants as those who possess at least two of the following criteria:
attend a rural, frontier/tribal school or Title I school;
low-income students (qualify for free or reduced lunch);
identify as females;
identify as racial/ethnic minority in STEM (Alaska Native, Native American, Black or African American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander);
students with English as a second language;
first generation college student;
students with disabilities;
a dependent of a military service member or veteran.
While students who meet underserved criteria are encouraged to apply for all AEOP Apprenticeship locations, some sites specifically require participation from underserved students.
Highly qualified candidates will be interviewed before the final decision is made. Students should prepare for the interview process. You will find advice that will help you get ready for the interview on "Internship opportunities in STEM for high school students" by Nancy Rowland.
The interview maybe in-person or virtual. This is a great opportunity to talk about your experiences in STEM and why you are good fit for the apprenticeship. Be yourself, the interview wants to get to know you better.
For more information about the application and the information and documentation needed please visit AEOP HS Apprenticeship - Application Tips and FAQ