Education Programs

To ensure a continuing pipeline of scientist and engineers, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) supports a variety of programs to encourage and support students’ pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

ONR programs include:

Pre-College Programs

• Naval High School Science Awards Program: Regional science fairs, the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, International Science and Engineering Fair and the National Ocean Sciences Bowl provide awards and scholarships to high school students demonstrating an outstanding aptitude in STEM.
• Science and Engineering Apprentice Program: Academically talented students with interests in science and mathematics are placed as apprentices in Department of Defense (DoD) laboratories for eight weeks during the summer.

Undergraduate Programs

Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program: Undergraduate students participate in research under guidance of a research mentor at a naval laboratory for 10 weeks during the summer.

Graduate and Post-Doctorate Programs

• Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program: Graduate students participate in research under the guidance of a research mentor at a naval laboratory for 10 weeks during the summer.
• DoD National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program: Fellowships provide for the study and research leading to doctoral degrees in areas of DoD interest.

Faculty and Educator Programs

• Young Investigator Program: Ths program supports and encourages research by young faculty members from institutions of higher education.
• Summer Faculty Research Program: Science and engineering faculty members from institutions of higher education participate in research at naval laboratories for 10 weeks during the summer.
• Faculty Sabbatical Leave Program: Science and engineering faculty conduct research at naval laboratories while on sabbatical leave.