U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet AFRL HIGH SCHOOL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM What is the High School Apprenticeship Program? The High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP) is an Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate sponsored program that is designed to hire promising young scientists from around the Eglin Air Force Base area. Our program at Eglin Air Force Base is one of the largest and most successful in the Air Force. We hire approximately ten apprentices each summer. Generally we hire high school juniors who work for the two summers after their junior and senior years. They work for nine weeks under the guidance of a mentor who volunteers to provide a research project for them to work during the summer. At the end of each summer, each apprentice is expected to write a research paper and present an oral presentation at a seminar open to the public. We request applications from eleven high schools in a three-county area (Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties) in which Eglin Air Force Base is located. Applications are usually due the first of March. The program is very competitive and popular with the local academic achievers. The intent of the program is to select top-notch students and encourage them to go into science and engineering related fields that could be beneficial to the Department of Defense. A typical apprentice is usually in the top five percent in his or her class. However, academics are not the only factors taken into consideration. Extracurricular activities such as clubs, offices held, sports, music activities, and science fair participation are also important. A panel of scientists and engineers conducts interviews with the top selected students to determine final selection.  Application -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What do the Apprentices do? Jobs are dependent on the mission needs of the organization. Although the specific jobs change each year, the areas of work are basically the same from year to year. The descriptions below were prepared by the apprentices working in the jobs. Computer Model Comparisons This project consists of comparing two atmospheric dispersion models used for predicting downwind dispersion of chemicals. The two programs used were Vapor, Liquid, and Solid Tracking (VLStrack), and Atmospheric Dispersion of Reacting Agents (ADORA). Both programs model the dispersion of chemical and biological agents through the air. Several trial runs of each program were performed using the same parameters so that the outputs from the two programs could be compared. The purpose of the comparison was to determine the similarity or differences of outputs of each program. Biomimetic Image Processing The purpose of this job is to assist the image processing team in their analysis of images of target zones by entering data and testing algorithms. Images can be simulated of real world target areas. Analysis and processing of images includes learning the principles of noise and frequency in order to apply algorithms which increase or decrease contrast, enhance edges, and reduce noise - all in the effort to make targets more visible to guidance system against the image background. Image Processing The purpose of this job is to obtain image data and perform various processing procedures. Image data can be collected from sensors, such as cameras, or generated using MATLAB (a matrix-based programming language). Once data is obtained, various algorithms and filters can be applied to the digital forms of the image to sharpen, blur, or intensify the features of the images. Once this is completed the images can be used for target detection, image recognition, motion detection and tracking, and a variety of other procedures essential to developing guidance systems for various weapons systems. Guidance and Control Engineering The purpose of this job is to assist aerospace engineers in designing, simulating, and evaluating different guidance and control technologies and methodologies. The job is very mathematically oriented and involves much computer work. Familiarity with a computer programming, or multiple languages, especially C and FORTRAN, is a necessity for running and creating the computer simulations. MATLAB, a math and programming environment, is used on a daily basis for graphical analyses as well as for simulations. Mathematics above the calculus level is needed for this job and experience with linear algebra and differential equations would be very useful. All of these are used to simulate and design improved systems for guided munition technology. Computational Tool Development This summer's project was to complete two separate goals: the completion of an image analysis tool and a data translation tool. The image analysis tool made use of an existing program, and its embedded macro program module. It is used to analyze photos taken during impact tests. Due to calibration problems, this project remains unfinished. The data translation program was created to convert data so it could be used in two different computer programs. During the summer, both Pascal and Fortran had to be learned in order to complete the tasks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How can I be selected? High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP) Selection Criteria: 1. All Applicants must be United States citizens, students in Okaloosa, Walton or Santa Rosa County, and in the top 25 percent of their class academically. 2. Applications are considered only from high school Juniors (except for Science Fair Winners which may be Seniors). 3. Factors considered in selection by the panel include: Grades Standardized test scores Interest and ability in science, math and engineering Science Fair activities Extracurricular activities Offices held in clubs, etc. Communication skills Maturity Teacher recommendation  4. Student must be available to work for the entire summer, except for minor absences. 5. Final selection will involve matching apprentice skills (e.g. computer programming, chemistry) with the needs of mentor projects. 6. One student will be selected from the Regional Science Fair based on the criteria above. 7. Juniors who are chosen for the HSAP are generally invited to return the next summer. 8. As long as they meet the above criteria, all students are eligible for the HSAP regardless of parent income, employer, or length of residence in the area. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Calendar/Selection Process  Late January - Applications are sent to schools in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties.  1st of March - Deadline for receiving applications from high school. Early March - Panel begins reviewing applications. Mid/Late March/Early April - Interviews by Panel. Early April - Panel selects new apprentices. Mid April - Panel selections approved by Directorate Director/Deputy Director. Mid/Late April - Letters sent to all applicants notifying them of selection/non-selection. Early June - Program begins. Mid August - Final Seminar/end of program. For more information on the AFRL High School Apprenticeship Program, e-mail afrl.mn.publicwebmail@eglin.af.mil.