The ASPIRE program at APL allows 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 and apply crucial technical and interpersonal skills in a hands-on, professional environment.
The ASPIRE program is an unpaid, holistic learning experience and 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.
ASPIRE aims to provide an accessible, inclusive, and supportive space to learn. All students, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status can be successful in the ASPIRE program. The primary goal of the program is not to test and evaluate students, but to offer a supportive environment to learn more about STEM skills and careers.
The ASPIRE program is competitive, but does not prioritize applicants with the highest GPA, the most STEM experience, or the strongest resume. Please see more about the selection process here. Applying does not guarantee acceptance. Our current acceptance rate is approximately 15%-20%. You can apply, here.
Each mentor is looking for something different in their student. However, in general, mentors are looking for students who are curious, engaged, interested in STEM, and willing to ask questions. Mentors also look for students who are honest about what they want to do and want to explore.
Location(s)
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland
- Hybrid in-person and remote options may be available
Schedule
- June 24th - June 26th, 2025: Mandatory in person onboarding; students cannot begin their internship until onboarding has been completed
- Internship hours must be completed before the August 21st capstone event
- Students will work out their exact schedule with their mentor
- Students complete a minimum of 190 hours of ASPIRE internship tasking between their onboarding date and their return to school in the fall. You may, and are encouraged to, complete additional hours past the minimum. We expect students to spread their hours over a 6-9 week period.
- Students may only complete ASPIRE tasking between 6am-6pm, Monday–Friday and may only complete up to 40 hours of tasking each week. There are no weekend or evening ASPIRE hours.
- Mentors may offer an opportunity to extend the internship through the academic year; this will require a September - May commitment
Cost/Compensation
Eligibility Requirements
- High school junior or senior during program participation (Applicants can be rising juniors or seniors)
- At least 15 years of age by June 1
- U.S. citizenship (green card holders are not eligible)
- Minimum 2.8 GPA
- Reliable transportation to APL throughout the program (APL is not accessible by public transit).
- Note: Students choosing our virtual option do not need constant access to reliable transportation. However, they will need to provide their own transportation when they do come to the Lab.
- No criminal record
- Permanent residence in one of the following Maryland counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore (County or City), Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s; one of the following VA counties: Alexandria, Arlington, or Fairfax (County or City); or the District of Columbia
- Please note: Students in Calvert or Charles Counties are only eligible for virtual ASPIRE internship placements
Deadline
- February 15th, 2025
- Recommendation forms are due by March 15th, 2025
Application or Entry Requirements
- A completed online application
- A resume
- When completing your application, you will be asked to write 250-300 words or less about a project you are proud of. You’ll also have an opportunity to tell us how you would further develop that project, if given the chance. This essay is not a college essay and does not need to be overly formal.
- Each application requires a recommendation from a teacher of your choice. The recommender cannot be related to you. The recommendation form will be sent to your recommender after you submit.
- Mentors may contact students at any time during the selection window (check our timeline for more information), including to conduct interviews.
Notifications of Decisions
- Acceptance emails are sent out on a rolling basis and will include additional, relevant information.
- Offers must be accepted within 3 days of receipt
- All applicants will be notified of a decision no later than May 15th, 2025
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
- Application opens January 1st, 2025
Have other questions?
Johns Hopkins is America's first research university and home to nine world-class academic divisions working together as one university. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, John's Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory’s STEM Program Management Office is committed to helping students and teachers develop literacy and competency in STEM. Programs are designed to provide a pathway to STEM careers for students in grades 3–12.
