As the nation’s premiere national security research university, the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) produces highly qualified graduates in disciplines critical to ensure our country’s security and superiority. Resupplying the pipeline of students who will pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers has become a legitimate concern for the Department of Defense. NPS students and faculty have a rich history of reaching outside the gates to engage and inspire local youth interested in STEM, with the hope of nurturing the next generation of engineers, research scientists, mathematicians and computer scientists that will fulfill our nation’s promise.

Internships

Faculty research projects provide invaluable exposure to possible naval careers through hands-on learning for veteran, service academy, high school, community college, university and graduate students. Research-based student internships are offered through the Office of Naval Research, the Community College Catalyst program with Hartnell College, a collaboration with Monterey Peninsula College, and other local partnerships.

Outreach

NPS offers an assortment of STEM programs for K-12 students. We host middle and high school student groups for on-campus activities, including 3-D printing, robot coding, speaker building, and drone flying; students also have the opportunity to tour working research labs. NPS resident astronauts retired Navy Capt. Dan Bursch, Dr. Jim Newman, and retired Navy Capt. Steve Frick visit K-12 schools. NPS opens its campus once a year for “Discovery Day”, where over 1500 local students participate in a full day of hands-on activities, discussions with experts, and lab tours. Faculty run a yearly Design Challenge competition for middle and high school student groups. Individual faculty members participate in a variety of local STEM efforts, including FIRST Robotics Competition, California State University Monterey Bay Camp Sea Life, Monterey County Science and Engineering Fair, and Monterey Peninsula College Marine Advanced Technology Education.

Contact Us

Please contact us if you are interested in any of NPS' STEM opportunities.