INDIAN HEAD, Md. ─ Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head EOD Technology Division hosted an official out brief, Aug. 10, for the 2018 Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program.

This year’s program concluded with the high school student participants presenting a final brief to school district and IHEODTD senior leadership and Charles County Public Schools Board members on their research projects and lessons learned.

IHEODTD is one of more than 25 Navy laboratories across the country participating in the Navy SEAP program, which places academically talented high school students with interest and ability in science, technology, engineering and mathematics as apprentices in Department of Defense laboratories for eight weeks during the summer.

SEAP encourages participants to pursue careers in engineering and science by giving them access to materials and research experiences not present in a classroom environment. It also serves to educate students on the Department of Navy and its wide array of research and technology efforts, which may lead to employment with the Navy.

“We are the Department of Defense Energetics Center; we support the warfighter of today and of tomorrow through discoveries that anticipate the future needs for the next generation,” said NSWC Indian Head EOD Technology Division Technical Director Ashley Johnson. “By supporting SEAP and encouraging these students to pursue STEM careers, we are helping build America’s next generation of scientists and engineers.”

IHEODTD hosted eight SEAP students this year: six attend Charles County schools and two attend private schools. Charles County Public Schools represented were Thomas Stone, North Point and Henry E. Lackey High Schools. More than 250 students participated in the program across the DoD.

“This is the second year we have hosted a SEAP opportunity,” said NSWC Indian Head EOD Technology Division Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Kraft. “Our goal was to open our doors to these young students, provide them mentors, give them a unique experience, and ultimately propel them forward in their STEM careers.”

As part of program, the students gained firsthand experience in topics including propulsion systems, robotics, propellants, manufacturing design, risk management and explosive detection, among others. Mentored by IHEODTD engineers and scientists, the students participated in educational trips, demonstrations and field exercises.

“The apprenticeship is an excellent way to gain valuable experience,” said Scott Bumgarner, lead of the 2018 SEAP and strategic planner for NSWC IHEODTD. “I truly believe we are providing a one-of-a-kind experience that will serve the students well as they continue their studies and become scientists or engineers.”

Throughout the program, the students briefed weekly projects and their eight-week capstone projects to learn and practice presentation skills.

SEAP is open to all high school students who are over 16 and U.S. citizens, and awards each participant an educational stipend. For more information on the program, visit https://seap.asee.org/