Apply for the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) - a paid eight-week summer internship placing U.S. high school students in Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories for real STEM research.
SEAP gives academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors (and eligible graduating seniors) mentoring by Navy scientists and engineers across roughly 300 placements at more than 38 labs nationwide. Many alumni go on to DoN STEM careers.
According to the official Naval STEM Interns site, application enrollment for the 2027 summer cohort opened 15 September 2026 and closes 30 November 2026. (Third-party posts often label this application cycle “SEAP 2026.”) Awards are typically sent January - March. This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Naval STEM Interns materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Department of the Navy / Office of Naval Research - Naval STEM Interns |
| Host Landmark | United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸 (DoN labs nationwide) |
| Who | U.S. high school students (completed Grade 9+; typically ages 16+ by start) |
| Duration | 8 weeks summer (possible +2 week extension); ~40 hours/week |
| Stipend | $4,000 new · $4,500 returning (bi-weekly direct deposit) |
| Placements | ~300 internships across 38+ DoN laboratories |
| Application window | 15 September - 30 November 2026 (for summer 2027 cohort) |
| Award letters | Typically January - March |
| Official Gateway | Official SEAP page - Naval STEM Interns |
About SEAP
Interns join DoN laboratory research teams for a continuous eight-week summer placement. You research labs in advance, rank preferences (typically top three), and are selected on academic achievement, personal statements, recommendations, and career/research interests.
Programme goals include encouraging DoN science and engineering careers, mentoring by lab scientists, meaningful STEM research experience, and exposure to Navy science & technology and R&D.
Stipend
- New participants: $4,000
- Returning participants: $4,500 (must have completed a prior full 8-week SEAP)
Paid bi-weekly by direct deposit. Exact start dates vary by lab (often late May through late June). Confirm housing - many labs (for example some NPS placements) do not provide housing support.
Eligibility
- High school student who has completed at least Grade 9
- Currently enrolled in high school (college-credit courses OK)
- Graduating seniors may apply if they graduate in the spring before the summer internship
- At least 16 years old by the internship start date (some labs set different age rules)
- U.S. citizen (some labs may consider permanent residents or dual citizens - check each lab page)
Lab exceptions: Always check individual laboratory pages for grade, age, and citizenship rules before applying.
How Selection Works
- Research participating DoN labs and choose preferred sites.
- Submit your application by the deadline (15 Sep - 30 Nov 2026).
- Labs review applications and make decisions.
- Award / non-award letters go out (typically January - March).
- Accepted interns prepare for an on-site summer research placement.
How to Apply
- Read the official overview and lab listings at navalsteminterns.us/seap.
- Confirm eligibility for your preferred labs (age, grade, citizenship).
- Prepare academic information, personal statements, recommendations, and research interests as required in the online application.
- Submit before 30 November 2026.
- Questions: see official contact details on the SEAP site (historically seap@saxmanone.com / programme phone listed on Naval STEM Interns materials).
Official Links
Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) - official
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Audible Emerging Playwrights Fund 2026 (up to $25,000)
- CCAI Foster Youth Internship Program 2027
- Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center YGP Spring 2027
- Global Changemakers Media Impact Academy 2026/2027
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all Internships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the application deadline?
30 November 2026 for the cohort that enrolled from 15 September 2026 (summer 2027 placement per the official site).
Is SEAP paid?
Yes. New interns receive $4,000; returning SEAP alumni who completed a prior full programme receive $4,500, paid bi-weekly.
Who can apply?
U.S. high school students who have finished at least Grade 9, are enrolled (or spring graduating seniors), and are typically 16+ by the start date - with lab-specific exceptions.
Can I choose my lab?
Yes. You research labs and indicate preferred sites (commonly top three) on the application; final placement depends on lab selection.
Where do I apply?
Through the official portal linked from navalsteminterns.us/seap.
