UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – The Student Opportunities in Applied Research (SOAR) program at Penn State Applied Research Laboratory was recently selected as one of the nation’s top 100 internship programs by Yello and Wayup as part of National Intern Day. The SOAR program, which was selected from a pool of hundreds of applicants nationwide, was founded in 1997 and provides highly qualified students the opportunity to experience hands-on applied research on real-world projects. Selection was based on criteria including program orientation and structure; career development for interns; company culture and engagement; full-time employment prospects; diversity and inclusion; and unique aspects of the program.
During the 10-week paid summer internship, SOAR students gain technical proficiency by applying theoretical knowledge to real world challenges. Each student receives a unique project which allows them to develop their research, problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills as part of a functioning project team. Working in partnership with their assigned mentor, SOAR students receive valuable professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions with ARL senior leadership. The program culminates with a formal research symposium in which students present their completed work through a judged poster session. Following the program’s conclusion, SOAR interns are equipped with both the technical skills and professional acumen needed to pursue careers in their chosen fields. Approximately one-third of SOAR interns are selected to remain at ARL in either part-time or full-time capacity.
“For more than 26 years, the SOAR program has provided students with the opportunity to experience hands-on research at one of the most respected universities in the country,” said ARL executive director Allan Sonsteby. “I’m proud of our designation as one of the top 100 programs in the nation and grateful for the opportunity to inspire and nurture the next generation of ARL researchers, scientists, and staff.”
A distinctive feature of the SOAR program is an overnight trip to Washington D.C., where interns visit government sponsors, attend workshops, listen to keynote speakers, and participate in Q&A panels. Past visits have included tours of the Pentagon and CIA headquarters, with opportunities to network with high-ranking officials.
“We really try to offer our students the whole package: compensation, paid housing, social activities, meaningful work, one-on-one mentorship, and a chance to build strong bonds within their cohort,” said ARL Chief Diversity Officer Dara Sanoubane. “We know that these students have a wealth of opportunities at their fingertips. We take our responsibility to provide them with a quality experience very seriously. I’m grateful to Yello and to Wayup for recognizing our efforts.”
To learn more about the ARL SOAR program, visit arl.psu.edu/SOAR
ABOUT ARL
As a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through education, scientific discovery, technology demonstration, and transition to application. As the largest research unit at Penn State, ARL continues to do vital work for the world at large through cutting-edge research and innovation.