Academic-Year Session Information
- The ASPIRE academic year session runs from October-May.
- Seniors complete a minimum of 130 hours over the course of their internship. Juniors complete a minimum of 80 hours over the course of their internship. You may, and are encouraged, to complete additional hours past the minimum. We expect students to spread their hours over the full October-May period. Internships may not be ended early.
- Students on-site at APL may only complete ASPIRE tasking between 6am-6pm, Monday-Friday and may only complete up to 10 hours of tasking each week. Virtual tasking may be completed between 6am–10pm, Monday–Friday. There are no weekend ASPIRE hours. All students must find at least one hour per week between 8am–5pm, Monday-Friday to meet with their mentor.
- Students will be given a winter holiday break of approximately two weeks (generally the week of Christmas and the week of New Year’s).
- All students are expected to complete and submit a digital poster of their ASPIRE project at the end of the term.
- Students are strongly encouraged to receive credit or formal recognition from their school for participation in the program.
Students applying to the academic year session are strongly encouraged to review their extracurricular schedule and determine whether they have the appropriate time available to participate in the ASPIRE program. Students should remember to consider travel times to and from APL if they are interested in hybrid or in-person internship opportunities. We expect students to make ASPIRE their main priority.
Session Timeline
| April 15 | Application period opens at 12:00 a.m. |
|---|---|
June 9 |
Application period closes at 11:59 p.m. |
June 23 |
All recommendation forms are due. |
June–July |
ASPIRE eligibility is confirmed or denied. |
August–September |
Mentors review applications, interview students, and extend an invitation to the program. |
October 10–11 |
Mandatory ASPIRE onboarding is held in-person at APL. These are the earliest dates a student may begin their internship. |
May 2024 |
ASPIRE Student Showcase capstone event |