The ASPIRE program at APL enables high school juniors and seniors to experience and explore STEM careers before committing to an area of study in college. ASPIRE interns are paired with APL staff mentors to complete projects, solve problems, and learn to apply crucial technical and interpersonal skills in a hands-on, professional environment.

The ASPIRE program is an unpaid, intensive internship experience that requires students to be on-site 30–40 hours per week all summer. It is not a job. ASPIRE students must be able to work independently, communicate with APL staff members and mentors, persist when faced with challenges, and continually think outside the box.

The ASPIRE program is competitive but does not prioritize applicants with the highest GPA, the most STEM experience, or the strongest resume. The primary goal of the program is not to test and evaluate students but to offer a dynamic educational environment to learn more about STEM skills and careers. We seek hardworking innovators, creative thinkers, and persistent scholars. Please read more about the selection process. Applying does not guarantee acceptance. Our current acceptance rate of new students is less than 10%. You can apply here.