2007 Wright Scholars complete AFRL summer internship

  • Published
  • By Debbie Miller
  • Wright Scholar Program Administrator
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The 2007 Wright Scholar Research Assistant program recently concluded with 23 students presenting out briefs on their summer experience here at Wright-Patterson. 

"I had the amazing opportunity to attend a test run of a supersonic combustor. I definitely learned what engineering is truly about - dealing with unexpected trials and gathering data in order to meet future challenges," said Aaron Scheid, a graduate of Chaminade-Julienne High School. 

Another scholar, Victor Zimmer, from Carroll High School, stated, "I'm having a great time working at the Air Force as a Wright Scholar. I am currently writing a tech note on some data I gathered from a scramjet program." 

LeeAnn Perkins, a graduate from Northwestern in Springfield, added, "I loved working with my mentor. It has been a great experience. I'm so lucky to have been given this opportunity." 

Mentors who attended the out briefs were impressed with the presentations, which highlighted projects assigned to the scholars, skills they learned, and positive experiences in the program. 

The Wright Scholar program is an Air Force Research Laboratory initiative to foster promising young scientists and engineers in a hands-on atmosphere. Students work for 10-12 weeks during the summer under the guidance of a mentor, who provides a research project for the scholar to pursue. Other activities, such as field trips and lectures, are included to provide a well-rounded experience for the scholar.
This year, they received a total of 84 applications from high school students - some local and one as far away as Indiana. Although they do not provide housing or stipends, the program is open to any high school junior or senior who is a U.S. citizen, at least 16-years-old, has a 3.25 GPA or is in the top 20 percent of his/her class, and has an interest in the science and/or engineering fields. 

Wright Scholars are chosen based on a blind review, meaning that all personal info is removed from the applications prior to the judging panel's review. Judges rank students according to GPAs, class rank, difficulty of academic curriculum, extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership, interest in science and math, and a required essay.
This summer, in addition to working with an assigned mentor, Wright Scholars participated in a number of activities to increase their knowledge and awareness of science and engineering fields. 

The Air Force Institute of Technology participated in this endeavor with a 2-day workshop for scholars. The University of Dayton also participated by providing a Summer Science and Engineering Enrichment program with hands-on classes ranging from Chemical Engineering to Civil Engineering to Nanotechnology, among others. Wright State University participated for the first time this year and offered tours and activities in their School of Engineering, School of Science & Mathematics, and School of Medicine. Additionally, guest speakers presented weekly lectures on topics ranging from rocket science to nuclear power to work ethics and first impressions. 

Wright Scholars also attended a C-5 tour as well as a tour of the National Museum of the U. S. Air Force Museum and a picnic. 

Wright Scholars who were hired under the STEP authority as high school post-juniors may return for a second term if their supervisor approves. They encourage other Wright Scholars who graduated from high school and are entering college to apply for additional appointments under the STEP authority or the Student Career Experience Program, commonly referred to as the Cooperative Education Program. Since program inception, we have had a 24 percent retention rate of the 153 graduates. 

Of the 84 applicants this year, 23 scholars were selected based on the number of participating mentors. The program has proven to be a win-win situation for both scholars and mentors. Students gain valuable experience and information in science/engineering fields, and mentors receive enthusiastic students who can take on a project during the summer. Wright Scholars are compensated out of the sponsoring directorate's funds at a GS-1 to GS-2 level. 

They would like to expand the program and encourage additional volunteer mentors to participate with next summer's incoming class of scholars. 

For more information on the Wright Scholar program or to obtain information on becoming a mentor, please see the web site at http://www.pr.afrl.af.mil/jobs/scholar.htm or call 255-1870.