State Rep. Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland) is encouraging local high school students to apply for Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) apprenticeships and fellowships at Hope College.

The AEOP provides high school students with paid STEM experiences and opportunities to work, typically in the summer, alongside world-renowned scientists and engineers at U.S. Army-sponsored facilities across the country. In Michigan, those facilities are at Hope College and University of Michigan.

While the program is funded and facilitated by the Department of Defense, there is no commitment for participants to join the military.

“This is a great way for West Michigan students to learn about science, technology, engineering and math through real-world experience – giving them a jump start toward their career goals,” DeBoer said. “There is a great demand for innovators in these fields and I know our local students have the brilliant minds to fill those jobs and help make the world a better place.”

Students interested in these opportunities can learn more on the state website.