Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is a paid summer research internship that accepts upper-level high school students as well as college and graduate students in STEM. Scholars work side by side with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on real research projects. Internships take place in person at Air Force sites around the country, including locations in Ohio, New Mexico, New York, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Hawaii and California. The program is full time at 40 hours per week, with a minimum of eight weeks. High school scholars receive a weekly stipend; at most sites the most recent rate was $506.80 per week, with higher rates at some locations.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens (permanent residents are not eligible), at least 16 years old by the deadline (18 for California sites), enrolled at least half time in school, and in good academic standing, and must hold a valid government-issued ID. A 3.0 GPA is encouraged but not required. Scholars must be available full time (40 hours per week) for at least 8 weeks, be willing to relocate temporarily, arrange their own daily transportation to the base, and take part in a background check. Applications are submitted online and include a resume, unofficial transcripts and, ideally, at least one letter of recommendation (recommended, not required). Apply to up to 3 research topics per site. Applications for summer 2027 open October 12, 2026 and are due January 11, 2027.