The Phillips Scholar Program - Prepare for the Future

Status of Offers: Offers are now being emailed to 2013 applicants. You will have 7 days to respond before your offer will expire.

Non-select emails will be sent after all positions have been filled. Emails will be sent to the account listed on your application.

Program Overview
Applicant Eligibility
List of Mentors
List of Topics
Contact Information
FAQ
More Scholars Programs
About Space Vehicles and Directed Energy

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I apply if I am not a US Citizen?
    No, the Scholars Program is only open to U.S. Citizens. Dual Citizens are not eligible.
  2. When are the internship Start and End Dates?
    Scholars will have the option to start on May 20th or June 3rd, 2013 and may choose any end date prior to September 30, 2013. All Scholars must work a minimum of 8 weeks and may work a maximum of 14 weeks.
  3. I will be gone in the middle of the summer. Can I still participate in the program?
    Scholars may take time off in the summer as long as they meet the 8 week minimum time requirement. Scholars will not be paid for their time off.
  4. What is the difference between the Space, Directed Energy, and Phillips Scholars programs?
    The Space and Directed Energy Scholars Program hire students enrolled in a Masters or PhD program (at the time of application) in the science and engineering disciplines. The Phillips Scholars Program hires college undergraduate (all levels) and a limited number of upper-level (junior, senior) high school students. Space Scholars work in the Space Vehicles Directorate and the Directed Energy Scholars work in the Directed Energy Directorate. Phillips Scholars work in either directorate, depending on the research topic assigned.
  5. I am a graduate student; can I incorporate AFRL research into my graduate studies?
    It is definitely possible for Scholars to base their thesis/dissertation on their summer research (or vice-versa). Scholars are encouraged to initiate discussion on this topic early in the summer with both their major professor and their AFRL mentor.
  6. Will I be required to present my research or write a technical report during the summer internship?
    Scholars will be required to write a technical report and present their research at the AFRL Scholar Poster Session during the first week of August 2012.
  7. I am applying to the Space and/or Directed Energy Scholars program. How many topics can I apply to?
    Space and Directed Energy applicants may apply to a maximum of 2 topics. Dual applicants: you may apply to Space Scholars and to Directed Energy Scholars but you may only apply to a maximum of 2 topics.
  8. I am applying to the Phillips Scholars program. How many topics can I select as my preferred topics?
    Phillips Scholar applicants do not apply directly to topics but have the option of listing their top two choices in the application module. Every effort will be made to place selected Phillips Scholars to the topics of their choice.
  9. Can I contact the mentors?
    Yes, it is encouraged. Mentor contact information is available in the topic and mentor section of the program interested.
  10. When is the deadline to apply?
    February 5, 2013
  11. Can I mail in, hand deliver, fax, or email my application?
    No. All applicants will apply online.
  12. What is a complete application package?
    1. Application
    2. Resume
    3. Official Transcripts
    4. Letter (s) of Recommendation (Optional)
  13. Can I submit a personal statement or other documentation?
    Yes, you may upload supporting documents in the application module.
  14. I am a returning applicant; do I need to register online?
    Yes.
  15. I can't access the application module. All I see is a yellow screen with a cryptic error message. What do I do?
    Send an email to afrl.scholars@kirtland.af.mil describing your problem in detail, and our IT experts will assist you.
  16. Can I edit the online portion of my application after I have submitted?
    Yes. You may edit your online application after submitting so long as the deadline (11:59 PM MST, February 5th) has not passed. Each time you re-submit your application, it will overwrite the previous submission.
  17. Can I submit unofficial transcripts from my school?
    No, you must upload official transcripts.
  18. I am a graduate student; do I need to submit my undergraduate transcripts?
    In the application module, you have the option to upload additional transcripts. You will still need to submit your official undergraduate transcripts.
  19. I am a first year college student (only 1 semester of transcripts); should I submit my high school transcripts?
    In the application module, you have the option to upload additional transcripts. You will still need to submit your official college transcripts.
  20. Do I need to submit letter(s) of recommendation?
    Although optional, letter(s) of recommendation can significantly impact your evaluation score and can serve as a deciding factor between similarly-ranked candidates.
  21. What if one of my letters of recommendation does not arrive by the application deadline?
    The application package will be evaluated without it.
  22. How will Space/Directed Energy Scholars be evaluated?
    Space and Directed Energy Scholars are scored by the mentors whose topics they applied to.
  23. How will Phillips Scholar's applicants be evaluated?
    Phillips Scholars are scored by an independent evaluation team (various mentors, scientists, and engineers) based on GPA, STEM experience (paid and voluntary), resume, STEM courses taken, and letter (s) of recommendation. Students are then ranked and selected.
  24. Are high school students who apply to the Phillips Scholars Program evaluated along with the undergraduate students?
    No. High school students are evaluated separately from the undergraduates.
  25. When will I be notified if I have been selected for the internship?
    TBD
  26. How will I know if I have been selected for the internship (Space, Directed Energy, Phillips)?
    You will be contacted by email informing you that you have been selected for the program.
  27. How much money will I make?
    The total amount Scholars earn is based primarily on their educational level and the number of weeks they work. High School students will receive $400 per week; college freshmen and sophomores, $450; college juniors and seniors, $650; Masters students, $900; and PhD students, $1100. These are approximate amounts.
  28. Does the program pay for my travel to/from NM and pay for room and board?
    No. The Scholars program does not provide funds for relocation or housing above and beyond the pay that is offered for the position.
  29. Do you have any suggestions where I could find resources to help with my NM living arrangements?
    AFRL does not endorse any of the below listed companies nor have any affiliation with them:
  30. Do you help Scholars find roommates?
    No – We encourage scholars to communicate with other scholars at the AFRL Scholars Facebook page to coordinate living arrangements/suggestions.
Helpful Links: Don’t see your question? Please email the Scholars Inbox: AFRL.Scholars@kirtland.af.mil


Last Updated 03/27/2013
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