Opportunities for High School Students

•Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

•Tech Jobs Rule (Artisan & Technician Apprenticeships)

Opportunities for Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Students

•Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP)

•STEM Student Employment Program (SSEP)

•Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART)

Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) encourages high school students to pursue science and engineering careers through opportunities in research at Navy laboratories. SEAP places academically talented high school students with interests and ability in STEM in Navy labs for eight weeks during the summer to work with science and engineering mentors.

The 8-week continuous summer opportunity provides a $4,000 stipend for new students and a $4,500 stipend for returning students.

Eligible participants are rising 10th graders through graduating 12 graders. All participants must be U.S. citizens. Applications are accepted in fall for summer internships. Please visit the SEAP website for additional information and specific dates for the application period.

Tech Jobs Rule

Tech Jobs Rule (TJR) is an innovative apprenticeship program designed to fill workforce shortages in the STEM or manufacturing career fields. The program is a partnership between the St. Mary’s County Public Schools' Forrest Technology Center, the Patuxent Partnership, and NAWCAD's Strategic Education Office to match talented high school students planning to work in STEM and manufacturing fields with paid apprenticeship opportunities in local industry and government. Students who are approaching their final year of high school and have trained at the Forrest Technology Center program are eligible to apply for this program.

Local industry and government agencies check their demand signals and determine if they foresee a need for skilled workers in a particular area. If so, they offer paid apprenticeships in that area.

Students who are approaching their final year of high school and have trained at a Forrest Technology Center Program are eligible to apply for these paid apprenticeships. The companies or government agencies interview students and make selections based on the students’ academic performance, resumes and interviews.

While in high school, students begin an apprenticeship in a high demand career field while also earning credits toward a high school diploma. The students learn from mentors who are leaders in the field, get valuable hands-on industry experience, and earn money while learning valuable skills. An individualized work plan is developed for each apprentice by the apprenticeship coordinator working with representatives from the business or agency.

The following disciplines are TJR Forrest Center Programs: Aviation, Automotive Refinishing & Repair, Automotive Technology, CADD, Diesel Technology, Electrical Wiring, Engineering, IT Networking, Production Engineering (Manufacturing) and Welding. Possible apprenticeships include Cable Fabricator, Electrical/Electronics Technician, Fiberglass Fabrication, Machining, Metal Forming Machine Operator, Painting, Production Machine Mechanic, Sheet Metal and Welding.

For additional information about the Tech Job Rules Apprenticeship Program please contact: MaryKay Myers, The Patuxent Partnership ([email protected]) Mary Jane Selph, Tech Jobs Rule Apprenticeship Coordinator ([email protected]) or Ellen Servetnick, NAWCAD Strategic Education Office ([email protected]).

Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP)

The Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) provides an opportunity for college students to participate in research at a Navy laboratory during the summer. NREIP places students in competitive internships to further their education in STEM fields and provide awareness of Navy research and technology efforts.

NREIP is a 10 week continuous summer opportunity offering a $7,500 stipend for new undergraduate student participants, a $9,000 stipend for returning undergraduate students, and an $11,500 stipend for graduate students pursuing a graduate degree.

Eligible participants must be a high school graduate or equivalent, currently enrolled at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university, and must have 31 or more college credits by the start of the internship. All participants must also be U.S. citizens. Applications are accepted in the fall for summer internships. Please visit the NREIP website for additional information and specific dates for the application period.

STEM Student Employment Program

The STEM Student Employment Program (SSEP) is a direct-hire authority leveraged by NAWCAD to provide internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate degree seeking students enrolled in STEM majors. The SSEP internship allows for students to work over consecutive breaks from school. SSEP interns are government employees. The SSEP Program is a pathway for full-time career appointment with the government. Students may also be eligible for tuition and/or book assistance. Acceptance of tuition or book assistance incurs a service obligation.

To be eligible, participants must:

•Be a U.S. citizen 18 years or older at time of application

•Be enrolled or accepted to a school in a STEM discipline

•Be continuously enrolled at least part-time at a qualifying educational institution

•Have a minimum 2.5 GPA

•Pass a background investigation and obtain a security clearance

Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART)

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program was established as a concentrated effort to enhance the DOD's workforce with talented scientists, engineers and researchers. SMART Scholars enter the program to pursue their education in some of the leading STEM fields currently in high demand by the United States Government. The program offers scholarships for bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate students pursuing STEM degrees. While in school, students receive full tuition, monthly stipends, health insurance and book allowances, as well as summer internships that range from eight to 12 weeks. Upon degree completion, scholars begin working in a civilian position with their sponsoring facility. The internships and work experience allow scholars the opportunity to learn from the greatest minds in STEM and defense. Not only do scholars pursue their passions in their respective field during their educational phase, but they begin a journey towards an empowering career to protect national security. 

Participants must be U.S. citizens ages 18 or older. Students are required to participate in summer internships at a DOD facility and must be willing to accept post-graduate employment with the DOD. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and must be pursuing a technical undergraduate or graduate degree.

Students apply in the fall for the following school year. For additional information on any of these programs and specific dates for the open application period, please visit the SMART website.