About

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is a stipend-paid internship initiative administered by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). It places students into hands-on research positions at AFRL sites across the U.S., including Kirtland AFB, Wright-Patterson AFB, and Rome Laboratory, where they contribute to active scientific teams.

Internships typically run for 10–12 weeks during the summer (minimum 8 weeks). Stipends are calculated based on education level and federal pay scales. For 2026, the standard high school weekly stipend is $506.80, though locality-adjusted sites like Edwards AFB pay up to $813.60 per week. Participants are expected to work a full-time, 40-hour week under the guidance of professional mentors.

Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship and a minimum age of 16 (though some sites require age 18 and a high school diploma). For the Summer 2026 cycle, the application deadline was January 10, 2026. Selections are currently being finalized by research mentors through the AFConnect system, with decisions typically released in early spring.

The program is a key component of the Department of the Air Force's workforce development strategy. Students gain direct exposure to professional workflows and federal scientific infrastructure, performing mission-relevant research in fields such as aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, and materials science. For ambitous students wishing to pursue genuine research projects, AFRL is one of the best opportunities.