Minimum Age: | 16 years by program start date of 1 June |
Qualification Standards: |
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Tenure: | 12 June - 11 August 2023 |
Application Period: | 1 November 2022 - 10 January 2023 at 5:00pm |
Selection Panel Period: | 1 February 2023 - 1 March 2023 |
Offer Letter Notification: | 1 March 2023 - 30 April 2023 |
The Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program is an Air Force Research Laboratory initiative designed to expose high school juniors and seniors to various disciplines of engineering and science in an effort to further their interest in future STEM career options. Wright Scholars are competitively selected to work as full-time, paid interns for 9 weeks during the summer. A selection panel uses a “blind” review system to score and rank student applications (personal data is removed from applications prior to review to prevent biases). Selected students are then matched with a mentor to work on a research project for the duration of their internship.
Steven Hamilton, MAS
Wright Scholar Program Coordinator
afrl.rq.dxx.wrightscholars@us.af.mil
937-938-4866
Wright Scholars also participate in weekly workshops, lectures, and tours to expand their knowledge of potential STEM career fields. Students also travel weekly to the University of Dayton to participate in a variety of classes and workshops through their Summer Science and Engineering Enrichment program. Other tours, such as the C-17, National Museum of the United States Air Force, various AFRL locations, and occasionally industry tours are also popular. Additionally, students attend a weekly lecture series featuring prominent scientists/engineers who share their expertise and professional development classes to prepare interns for their future.

Applicants are solicited from local high schools, but the program is open to any students outside the area or out-of-state who meet the criteria. No travel allowances are available, and the student is solely responsible for obtaining housing, meals, and transportation to/from work.
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.
Prior Year Wright Scholars Entering their Senior Year of High School
- You are eligible to return automatically if your mentor has available intern work next summer, internship funding, and recommends you for continuation.
- Wright Scholars interested in returning are NOT required to re-apply.
- After your junior year internship, you DO NOT need to re-apply for your senior year internship since mentors will be asked to submit a Returning Scholar Application on your behalf, if the mentor recommends you to return.
- Scholars may be eligible to return for consecutive summer internships through graduation from college. Discuss your interest to return with your mentor.
- Prior year junior Wright Scholars selected to return as a senior year Wright Scholar will receive an emailed invitation for the following summer by 1 March.
You will receive a confirmation at the e-mail used for your Smarter Select account once you submit your application.
If you have any program questions, submit them by email: afrl.rq.dxx.wrightscholars@us.af.mil.
Additional Information/Links:
Wright Scholar Photos
Wright Scholar Career Descriptions
For more information about the Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program, contact the Wright Scholar Program Coordinator at (937) 938-4866.