Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places high school students in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories to work with scientists and engineers. Participants take part in real Naval research and meaningful STEM research as part of Department of Navy laboratory projects. The internship has a duration of eight weeks, with the possibility of extending up to two additional weeks.

• Ages: 14–18 years old
• Schedule: Eight-week summer internship, with the possibility of extending up to two additional weeks
• Price: Stipends are as follows: New participant: $4,000; Returning participant: $4,500. Stipend levels will be determined by the student's years of participation in SEAP and will be paid bi-weekly via direct deposit.

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides an opportunity for high school students to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer. It gives academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in STEM the opportunity to learn about Naval research and technology. High school students who have completed at least Grade 9 are eligible, graduating seniors are eligible to apply, and students must be currently enrolled in high school, though they may be taking college-level classes for college credit. Participants must be 16 years of age or older by the internship start date to participate, solely U.S. citizens, and interns are selected based upon academic achievement, personal statements, recommendations, and career and research interests, with some labs possibly making exceptions for grade minimum, age minimum, permanent residents, and dual citizens. The program is competitive, with around 300 placements in more than 38 laboratories around the country, and many participants go on to careers within the Department of Navy (DoN). Students receive first-class mentoring by top scientists and engineers, with mentoring by laboratory scientists and engineers.

SEAP goals are to encourage students to pursue Department of Navy science and engineering careers, enhance education with mentoring by laboratory scientists and engineers, enable students to participate in meaningful STEM research, and expose students to Department of Navy science and technology and research and development opportunities. The application period runs from August 1st to November 1st, followed by a review period when labs review applications and make their decisions, and an award period when award and non-award letters are sent out from January to March. SEAP is associated with #NAVALSTEM, there is a SEAP two-page flyer (PDF) available to download, and there is a COVID-19 notice stating that the program may be shifted to a virtual program and that there is a chance that the lab that selected a student may not be able to participate in a digital or virtual setting.

Last updated May 19, 2026.