February 13, 2009

MEDIA CONTACT: Thai Phi Stone
(202) 994-6424; tpstone@gwu.edu

TURNING TEENS INTO RESEARCH ASSISTANTS IN EIGHT WEEKS
 
Summer Apprentice Program Gives Qualified Students Hands-on Laboratory Experience  

WHAT: 

The Science and Engineering Apprentice Program, sponsored by The George Washington University and the Department of Defense, invites science and math students in high school to apply for an eight-week summer apprentice program. The program gives students hands-on experience in a government laboratory and teaches important research techniques.
 
WHEN:  

Apprenticeship: June 22 - Aug. 14, 2009
Application must be postmarked by Feb. 27, 2009
 
WHERE:  

Participating government laboratories nationwide
 
APPLY:  

Interested students should contact their science/math teacher or guidance department for an application form, or apply online at www.gwseap.net.
 
BACKGROUND:
 
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)-sponsored, GW-administered Science and Engineering Apprentice Program provides students with experience and exposure to the world of scientific research. The program places academically talented student apprentices, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with interest and ability in science and mathematics in DoD laboratories around the country for eight continuous weeks during the summer. These students work with scientists and engineers who act as mentors at a participating laboratory. Students will receive a unique and positive experience in their fields of interest, thus encouraging them to pursue careers in science and engineering. Students also will attend demonstrations and go on field trips to learn more abut the inner workings of an Army Research Laboratory. First-year participants are awarded an education stipend of $2,000.

In the heart of the nation's capital, The George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The University offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business, and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 130 countries.

For more information about SEAP, visit www.gwseap.net.
For more news about GW, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org.

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