Navy SEAP Internship 2027
The SEAP Internship (Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program) puts US high school students inside Department of the Navy research labs for the summer. New interns earn $4,000 for eight weeks, and returning interns earn $4,500.
- DurationEight weeks in summer 2027, with a possible extension of up to…
- Who can applyUS citizens; some labs accept permanent residents or dual…
- Application feeNo application fee stated by the host
Overview
About 300 places are spread across 38 laboratories in the United States. Enrollment for summer 2027 opened on 15 September 2026 and closes on 30 November 2026.
SEAP is one of the Navy’s longest-running STEM programmes for teenagers. Students work beside Navy scientists and engineers on real research for eight weeks during the summer.
Each laboratory runs its own placements. Projects depend on the lab and can range from engineering and computing to physical and life sciences. You pick the labs you want, and each lab reviews its own applicants.
Because the labs are spread across the country, most interns choose a lab within commuting distance of home. The host does not say that housing or travel is provided, so plan on living locally.
What Will You Do?
- Join a Navy research team for the summer.
- Work on a project set by your lab mentor.
- Learn how scientists and engineers run experiments and share results.
- Build skills in the lab’s specific field.
The selection process runs lab by lab. After the deadline, each laboratory reviews the students who listed it and makes its own decisions. That means a strong, specific reason for choosing a particular lab can help. Mention the kind of work it does and why it fits what you have studied or built so far.
Returning interns are welcome to apply again. If you were a SEAP intern before, your stipend rises to $4,500.
Is the SEAP Internship right for you?
If you are a US high school student who likes science or engineering and lives near a Navy lab, this is one of the few paid research roles open to teenagers. Competition is real, with roughly 300 spots nationwide, so choose labs that match your interests.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Paid summer research internship
- Host organization(s)
- US Department of the Navy (DON) laboratories, through the Naval STEM internship programme
- Location
- 38 Navy laboratories across the United States
- Mode
- In person
- Programme duration
- Eight weeks in summer 2027, with a possible extension of up to two weeks
Funding
- Financial support
- $4,000 stipend for new interns, $4,500 for returning interns, paid every two weeks by direct deposit; housing and travel not specified by the host
- Application fee
- No application fee stated by the host
Eligibility
- Nationality
- US citizens; some labs accept permanent residents or dual citizens (check each lab)
- Age requirement
- At least 16 by the internship start date
- Minimum degree required
- Completed Grade 9 and currently enrolled in high school; graduating seniors may apply
- Work experience
- Not required
- Fields / areas
- Science, technology, engineering and mathematics research in Navy labs
Who can apply
- Grade: You must have completed at least Grade 9 and be enrolled in high school. Taking college-level classes for credit is fine.
- Graduating seniors: Eligible to apply.
- Age: At least 16 years old by the start date.
- Citizenship: US citizen. Some labs make exceptions for permanent residents and dual citizens, and some relax the grade or age rules. Read each lab’s page before you apply.
- Work experience: Not required.
What you get
- A $4,000 stipend as a new intern, or $4,500 if you are returning.
- Bi-weekly payment by direct deposit.
- Eight weeks of mentored research in a Navy lab, with a possible two-week extension.
- Real research experience you can describe on college applications.
Housing and travel support are not mentioned by the host. Treat the stipend as your only financial benefit.
How to apply
- Read the eligibility rules on the official SEAP page.
- Research the participating labs and note any lab-specific exceptions.
- Choose your preferred labs.
- Create an account and submit your application through the Naval STEM internship portal before 30 November 2026.
- Wait for decisions. Award and non-award letters go out between January and March 2027.
See the official SEAP programme page for the latest details.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply?
Education: Completed Grade 9 and currently enrolled in high school; graduating seniors may apply
Work experience: Not required
Age: At least 16 by the internship start date
Is there an application fee?
When is the deadline?
How do I apply?
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