Student Research
Apprenticeship Program
Student Research
Apprenticeship Program
Learning on the job
Learning on the job
If you’re a high school student interested in STEM, why not consider an internship at PNNL? During this summer apprenticeship, students work with a scientist-mentor in a specific research area for 10 weeks. Students participate in educational and leadership development activities involving laboratory demonstrations, field trips, and communications, and career awareness workshops.
Key Program Dates & Information
Apprenticeships take place between June and August. To learn more about our Student Research Apprenticeship opportunities and/or to apply, visit the PNNL careers page.
Program Eligibility
- be currently enrolled in a public or private school and interested in pursuing a career in STEM or related field
- be at least 16 years of age at the time the internship begins
- be a sophomore, junior, or senior at the time of application
- have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (from 9th grade to current standing)
- be able to complete the 10-week internship without interruption.

Applying for an Apprenticeship
Once postings are open, a list of all high school internships will be available on the PNNL jobs website. Type High School in the search bar to find current openings. Collect the items listed below and then bundle them into one PDF file. The system will only accept one uploaded file. Please be careful— if you make a mistake, you will need to create a new profile and start the process over.
Cover Letter: Explain why you are applying. Be specific. Why do you want a summer research apprenticeship opportunity? Convince the reader to look at your application. Your cover letter will be seen first; therefore, it must be well written and specific to the job for which you are applying.
Resume: Provide educational background and academic information. You may want to include advanced placement courses, a list of your computer programming courses or experiences, and/or office skills. Include two personal references.
Unofficial Transcript: Ask your counselor or work based learning coordinator for a copy of your transcript.
Personal Statement: Describe who you are beyond your academic achievements and potential. Offer information regarding the kinds of activities, leadership, or impactful experiences you’ve had that contributed to your interest in STEM.