Hey all! I've heard that there are internships available for high school students affiliated with the military. I'm super interested but I haven't found concrete info on what these internships entail or how to apply. Anyone have any firsthand experiences or helpful advice?
Certainly, I can provide some general points you can consider while exploring military internships. It is important to note that these internships are often competitive and can require a rigorous application process.
Primarily, high school or undergraduate military internships usually focus on research, engineering, and science, aiming to involve students in high-priority projects. They often take place during the summer, typically lasting about 8-10 weeks.
One example is the US Army's High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP) which offers high school students the opportunity to spend a summer as a paid intern in a Department of Defense scientific research lab. Likewise, the Navy has the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) which offers similar opportunities. These programs often include working with cutting-edge technology and under the guidance of military officials and scientists.
To apply, you typically need to have a strong academic record, as well as some prior experience or interest in the field your internships pertain to—oftentimes STEM fields. Application materials generally consist of your academic records, a resume detailing your qualifications and experiences, and letters of recommendation. Furthermore, you may have to pass a medical examination and background check due to the sensitive nature of these internships.
Remember that while these internships can give you a unique perspective on potential military-oriented careers, participation in them does not signify any commitment to military service in the future.
That said, the best place to start researching specific internships would be on the official websites of different branches of the military–Army, Navy, Air Force, etc. Additionally, you might reach out to your school counselor or local recruitment offices for more information. Hope this helps and good luck with your search!
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