SEAP - SEAP

SEAP
The Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP) for high school students places academically talented apprentices with interest and ability in science and mathematics in Department of Defense (DoD) laboratories for eight continuous weeks during the summer. These students work with scientists and engineers who act as mentors. The program offers students a unique and positive experience in their fields of interest, thus encouraging them to pursue careers in science and engineering. Defense laboratories currently participating in the program include those in the metropolitan Washington DC area as well as those located at Huntsville, AL, Ft. Monmouth, NJ, Natick, MA, Rock Island, IL, Wright Patterson AFB, OH, and Fairmont, WV.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Acquaint qualified high school students with the activities of Department of Defense laboratories through summer research and engineering experiences.
Provide students with opportunities in and exposure to scientific and engineering practices and personnel not available in their school environment.
Expose those students to DoD research and engineering activities and goals in a way that encourages a positive image and supportive attitude toward our defense community.
Establish a pool of students preparing for careers in science and engineering with a view toward potential government service.
Prepare these students to serve as positive role models for their peers thereby encouraging other high school students to take more science and math courses.
Involve a larger percentage of students from previously underrepresented segments of our population, such as women, African-Americans, and Hispanics, in pursuing science and engineering careers.

PROGRAM CONCLUSION
The final day of the SEAP summer begins with a general session and keynote speaker, followed by concurrent seminar sessions in which students present formal papers on their summer research experiences. Mentors and members of the supervising staff at each installation often attend these sessions. A general staff meeting is held after the conclusion of the seminar session to discuss ways of improving the program.

At the conclusion of the summer program, it is hoped that the following outcomes have been achieved:

Increased student understanding of scientific processes through direct experience under the guidance of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians engaged in research or engineering, and an improved understanding of the opportunities, requirements, and challenges of scientific and engineering careers.
Establishment of a pool of talented, experienced young people with first-hand exposure to career opportunities in science and engineering.
An increased number of students from heretofore underrepresented segments of society given an encouraging experience in the science and engineering field.

The George Washington University
Science & Engineering Apprentice Program
1776 G Street, Suite 171, NW, Washington, DC 20052
Phone: (202) 994-2234 | E-Mail: seap@gwu.edu