Eligibility note: This programme is open only to US citizens who are high school students. A few labs make exceptions for US permanent residents or dual citizens. Students living in Africa who aren’t US citizens can’t apply. If you’re a US citizen, including a dual citizen or a child of the diaspora, read on. Everyone else should see the related opportunities open to Africans at the end.
The US Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places high school students in Department of the Navy (DON) laboratories for eight weeks of paid summer research. Applications for summer 2027 opened on 15 September 2026 and close on 30 November 2026.
At a Glance
| Run by | US Department of the Navy, Naval STEM internships |
| Who can apply | US-citizen high school students aged 16 or over who have finished Grade 9 |
| Duration | 8 weeks in summer 2027, possibly extended by up to 2 weeks |
| Stipend | US$4,000 for new interns, US$4,500 for returning interns |
| Places | About 300, across 38 Navy laboratories |
| Deadline | 30 November 2026 |
About SEAP
SEAP gives academically strong high school sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in STEM a chance to work on real Naval research. Interns are mentored by Navy scientists and engineers, and many go on to careers with the Department of the Navy. It’s highly competitive, with only about 300 places nationwide.
Benefits
- A stipend of US$4,000 (or US$4,500 for returning interns), paid every two weeks by direct deposit
- Hands-on research in a Navy laboratory
- Mentoring from experienced scientists and engineers
- A strong addition to college applications and a possible route to a Navy STEM career
Eligibility
- You must be a US citizen. Some labs may accept permanent residents or dual citizens, so check the individual lab pages.
- You must be currently enrolled in high school. Taking college-level classes for credit is allowed.
- You must have completed at least Grade 9. Graduating seniors can apply.
- You must be 16 or older by the internship start date. Some labs make exceptions.
How Applicants Are Selected
- Academic achievement
- A personal statement
- Recommendations
- Career and research interests
How to Apply
- Read about SEAP and the participating labs on the Naval STEM internships website.
- Create an account on the application portal.
- Write your personal statement and request your recommendations early.
- Choose labs that match your interests and check each lab’s eligibility rules.
- Submit before 30 November 2026.
Official SEAP page · Application portal
Related Opportunities Open to Africans
- Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grants 2027: US$500 for Students Aged 11–25 (Open Worldwide)
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ALU 2027: Software Engineering Scholarships
- 26 Global Trainings, Awards and Funded Travel Opportunities Open to Africans Now
- Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027
