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Library > Fact Sheets > AFRL/RQ Wright Scholar Research Assistant
AFRL/RQ WRIGHT SCHOLAR RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Posted 10/19/2012
Printable Fact Sheet
Wright Scholar Research Assistant
| Minimum Age: |
16 |
| Qualification Standards: |
High school junior or senior at time of application
& GPA of 3.5 or greater |
| Tenure: |
Summer |
The Wright Scholar Research Assistant program is an Air Force Research Laboratory program that was initiated in the former Propulsion Directorate. It is designed to employ local high school students, who are juniors and seniors at time of application, at WPAFB during the summer. Other students outside the commuting area may apply, but housing and transportation are not provided. Applicants should have an expressed interest in engineering and science.
The Air Force Institute of Technology joins us in this endeavor and offers a short course on the analysis and operation of jet engines. We travel to the University of Dayton (UD) to participate in their Summer Science and Engineering Enrichment program, specifically structured for Wright Scholars. UD has offered college pre-admission to those juniors who meet all Wright Scholar eligibility and UD admission requirements and indicate on their application a desire to take advantage of this offer. There is no cost or obligation on your part. We participate in an engineering workshop at Wright State University's College of Engineering & Computer Science. Other tours and workshops, such as The Ohio State University's electrical engineering workshop and the C-17 tour, are very popular among students. Additionally, we schedule guest speakers to present weekly lectures ranging from rocket science to nuclear power to biological sciences and human factors, among other topics of interest.
Applicants will be solicited from high schools in the greater Dayton area, but the program is open to any students who meet the criteria. No travel allowances are available and the student is responsible for housing, meals, and commuting to/from work. A panel of scientists, engineers, and educators will use a blind review system (names and other personal data are removed from application prior to review) to select the students.
Wright Scholars are employed full time for approximately 9-10 weeks and work on an assigned research project under the guidance of a mentor. At the end of the summer, each Wright Scholar is required to make a presentation to his/her peers and mentor, and a certificate of completion is presented.
High school post-juniors may be eligible for a second Wright Scholar summer term if their performance is exceptional, their mentor approves, and funding is available. Graduated seniors who would like to return after starting college should discuss the possibility of summer internships with their mentors and co-op opportunities with their college co-op office.
This year's Wright Scholars provided feedback regarding their experience. Peter Bonavita said that is was "the best opportunity I've had in engineering. Working hands-on, being able to showcase my skills in engineering" was what he liked best. A.J. Miesle commented, "The chance to work with scientists who are top in their field and learning new skills," were among his most enjoyable memories. Zach Wildofsky said that he liked, "Getting my hands dirty in the field of engineering which I never had the opportunity to do before and learning about all of the opportunities and topics through the workshops." He added, "This is the best job experience a high school student could ever have!" Finally, Sonia Tandon stated, "I really enjoyed getting the hands-on experience in a professional research laboratory. It was a one-of-a-kind experience!"
So how do I become a Wright Scholar? An eligible student applicant must meet the following qualification requirements:
· Must be available to start work on 10 June 2013 and attend mandatory orientation. If the last day of school is extended, the program start date may be delayed, and selected students will be notified.
· Must work a minimum of 9 weeks during the summer. Those students who cannot meet this minimum work requirement will be ineligible for the program.
· Must be 16 years of age by program start date.
· Must be a U.S. citizen.
· Must be high school junior or senior at time of application.
· Must have minimum 3.5 overall GPA.
· Home-school students may be considered if they score in the top 20% overall on a national standardized test such as the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT or ACT.
· Entitled to 5 days of excused absence during the program (illness is excluded). Any additional time off MUST be pre-approved by the Wright Scholar program manager, otherwise excessive or unexcused absence may be grounds for dismissal from the program.
· Must have transportation or a means to get to various locations on base throughout the summer.
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Additional Information/Links
Wright Scholar Career Descriptions
Wright Scholar photos
Wright Scholar Criteria and Procedures
Wright Scholar Application
must be faxed (preferred) or mailed. If mailing, please allow minimum of one week for arrival and processing at WPAFB.
Please do not send your application until on or after 5 November 2012. If you have already sent your application prior to this date, please resend. Please have a guidance counselor or teacher review your entire application and essay prior to submission. Applications must be received NLT 5:00 p.m., 9 Jan 2013. Postmarks will not be accepted. You are highly encouraged to submit your application early.
Fax (preferred): (937) 904-5546
Or
Postal Mail:
Wright Scholar Program Applications
Attn: Jeff Pearce
AFRL/RQH
1950 Fifth Street, Bldg 18
Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433
Within one week, you will receive an email, at the email address listed on your application, confirming receipt.
| For more information about the Wright Scholar Research Assistant program, contact the Wright Scholar Program Manager at debra.miller.ctr@wpafb.af.mil or (937) 938-4866. |
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