WPAFB Educational Outreach

According to former Wright Scholar feedback, students positively reflected on their experiences as follows:

• The lecture series speakers were very beneficial, and I learned about many different aspects of science and engineering fields.
• This was the most fulfilling internship I have ever had as I felt I was doing meaningful work.
• Amazing opportunity to do true research and contribute to scientific knowledge.
• The program offers excellent insight into research and STEM fields in general.
• This program allows exploration of several potential career paths while showing what it is like to be a part of an engineering/STEM workforce.
• I really enjoyed getting hands-on experience by working on a project which I found very interesting.
• I loved working with researchers and small teams; the skillset provided was incredible, and I learned so much.
• I most enjoyed being able to work with my mentor and his lab group on meaningful research.
• Liked being able to apply scientific knowledge and concepts outside the classroom.
• I loved being able to collaborate with scientists and engineers on projects I am passionate about. Such experiences allowed me to foster lasting relationships and enhance my understanding of STEM topics. I gained exposure to cutting-edge technology and learned a lot about my future career field.
• Since program onset in 2002, over 700 Wright Scholars have been hired from over 100 school districts. Many have graduated from college or are attending a university majoring in engineering, science, and medical career fields.
• Upon college graduation, several have been hired as AFRL researchers and some are Air Force officers with engineering degrees, while others have received SMART scholarships, including paid college tuition with government service payback.
• Of students tracked through the years, 86% pursued or are pursuing science or engineering careers and 10% pursued or are pursuing medical careers, while 4% pursued other fields like finance or business.

Requirements

• Must have a demonstrated interest in STEM career fields.
• Must be a high school junior or senior at time of application.
• Must be a U.S. citizen. Program is not open to Permanent Residents or Green Card holders.
• Must be 16 years old or older and have a valid driver's license by program start 1 June
• Must have own transportation OR a reliable means to get to/from the work place each day with someone who already has base access. Passes for base access will ONLY be issued to the student intern.
• Must have overall GPA of 3.5 or higher. Home-school students are highly considered if they score in the top 20% on a national standardized test such as the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT or ACT.
• If you live out-of-state or a long distance from WPAFB, you must be responsible for securing your own temporary housing AND transportation. Program administration will not be responsible for making suitable arrangements on a scholar's behalf. If you do not have a host family or friends with whom to stay, be aware that nearby dorms/apartments are now requiring guests to be a minimum of 18 years of age. Must obtain/retain personal housing, meal, and transportation needs.
• Must be able to pass background check.
• Must be available to start program on 12 June 2023 and attend mandatory first-day orientation.
• Must commit to mandatory attendance policy during first week and during student presentations at end of program. No absences (except emergency or illness) will be allowed during first week.
• Must be able to participate 40 hrs./wk. for 9 weeks -- this is a full-time commitment.
• May not request more than 5 days of excused absence during the program (illness is excluded). Excessive or unexcused absences will be grounds for dismissal.

Those students who cannot meet the minimum work requirement or adhere to the attendance policy are ineligible for the program.