About the programme
SEAP places high school sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in STEM into DON research laboratories for eight weeks during the summer. Interns receive mentoring from scientists and engineers and take part in real Naval research. It is competitive, with about 300 placements across 38 laboratories. Selection considers academic achievement, personal statements, recommendations, and career and research interests.
Duration: Eight weeks summer (possible extension of up to two additional weeks)
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled in high school (college-level classes for credit allowed)
- Completed at least Grade 9 (exceptions may apply by lab)
- At least 16 years old by the internship start date (exceptions may apply by lab)
- U.S. citizen (permanent residents and dual citizens may be considered by some labs)
- Sign in to check these against your background.
What they look for
- Graduating seniors are eligible to apply
- Academically talented and interested in STEM
What you receive
- Eight-week paid research internship (possible extension up to two more weeks)
- Stipend of $4,000 for new participants or $4,500 for returning participants, paid bi-weekly by direct deposit
- Mentoring by laboratory scientists and engineers
What you will need
- Academic achievement record
- Personal statement
- Recommendations
- Career and research interests
How to apply
- Students research and choose preferred labs
- Apply by the deadline (Sept. 15 to Nov. 30)
- Labs review applications and make decisions
- Award and non-award letters sent January to March
- Interns prepare for the internship
Applications are submitted on Department of the Navy (DON) laboratories’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
No notes yet.
Source and verification
- Official source
- Department of the Navy (DON) laboratories · Application
- Last checked
- 11 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page
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