FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Who can apply to the Director's Apprenticeship Program?
This program is open to public school students in Alameda, West Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties in Northern California.
While we review all applications, due to daily commuting, applicants should reside within 30 miles of Berkeley Lab.
Students must be in grades 10 or 11 to apply (with the program taking place during the summer after sophomore or junior year)
Grade levels refer to the grade you are in at the time you are applying (i.e. the academic year before the summer you attend the program.) A student who attends the program between Sophomore and Junior year would be considered to be in 10th grade.
Students must be full time residents of the state of California to apply.
Students must be at least 16 no later than June 17, 2024.
We encourage high school students from underrepresented groups in STEM to apply - Black/African Americn, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQ+, students from low income households, and those who will be the first generation in their family to attend college - to apply.
What are important dates to keep in mind?
Applications open: February 5, 2024
Applications close: April 1, 2024
Program dates: June 18 - July 26, 2024
What are the session hours during the week?
For the in-person program, sessions will take place from 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday.
What types of activities will students do?
Interactive chats about Department of Energy national laboratory research
Introduction to coding in Python and Data Science through lessons and activities
Plant biology and bioscience related experiments in our wet lab
Short projects that build on learned skills
Who runs the program?
BLDAP is hosted by the Government and Community Relations office's K-12 STEM Education and Outreach team at Berkeley Lab. The program is also supported by various scientists, engineers, and staff from Berkeley Lab. The program is funded by the Department of Energy's WDTS Pathway Summer Schools Program.
What are BLDAP's COVID-19 protocols?
We are working with Berkeley Lab's Health and Safety colleagues to develop proper COVID protocols to allow the in-person program to proceed as planned, or create a suitable virtual alternative if necessary. Applicants who are accepted will receive comprehensive details, as well as directions for students that are not vaccinated.
Are the children of Berkeley Lab staff allowed to apply?
Students with immediate family members working at Berkeley Lab are allowed to apply and will be considered, but they are also encouraged to pursue external programs to leave space for students without an existing connection to the Lab and its resources. View our list of external opportunities to find other internship, job, and volunteer opportunities for students.
For Students
What environment is best to get the most out of BLDAP?
In person, we expect apprentices to arrive on time and prepared for daily sessions. As much as possible materials, food, and items to support learning will be provided.
For the virtual program, it would be ideal to have a quiet environment where you (the student) can dedicate your full attention to the session/activity. As much as possible, communicate with family and household members to help support you during specific program hours.
What do I need to participate?
All the technology necessary to participating will be provided by Berkeley Lab. Laptop related equipment will need to be returned upon program completion.
Do I have to attend all the sessions every day?
Yes, please plan to attend all the sessions each day to get the maximum benefit. The scientists, engineers, and staff volunteering are excited to share their knowledge and hope to create an interesting, engaging, and meaningful experience for every student.
Will we be able to visit the National Laboratories as part of the program?
Yes, the program will take place at a national lab facility.
Can I apply if I plan to temporarily move to or stay with relatives in the counties listed in eligibility criteria?
In order to build strong and sustained relationships with students, we ask that all applicants are enrolled in the school districts highlighted. As we continue to grow programming, we look forward to expanding the regions in which we are able to serve.
Are students reviewed/accepted on a rolling basis?
No. All applications will be reviewed once the application closes. Students will be extended offers to interview beginning in mid to late April.
Is there an age requirement?
Students must be a minimum of 16 to take part of this program. We are not permitted to offer volunteer permissions to ANY person that is not an employee of Berkeley Lab.
My recommender did not recieve an email to submit my recommendation.
Your recommender's email should be registered within the Kaleidoscope system. However, sometimes the system does run into firewalls. We recommend going directly to the login page: https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/login
Once you are on the page please click the link BELOW the 'next' button that requires you to set your password. You should be able to log in from there. If that does not work, please email the recommendation to k12@lbl.gov.
For Parents
What parts of the program can parents participate in?
Parents, guardians, and family members are invited to attend online orientations, opening sessions at the beginning of the program as well as the closing session and presentations. Presentations will be held at Berkeley Lab in Berkeley.
What environment is best to get the most out of BLDAP?
For the in-person program, students may need transportation support to the Downtown Berkeley Area. We will provide shuttles to the Laboratory from there. In addition, students should consider this a work based learning opportunity. Efforts to arrive on time and prepared for sessions are highly encouraged.
For the virtual program, it would be ideal to have a quiet environment where the student can dedicate their full attention to the session/activity. As much as possible, please minimize distractions and allow students to create productive learning environments during specific program hours.
Contact
For those with additional questions please submit questions via this form. Please allow 2-3 business days for a response. Please note: Due to the high number of applications we receive, we will not be able to confirm individual recommendations. We CANNOT make exceptions for age or residency requirements. You must be 16 at the beginning of your program start date for ALL paid opportunities. The minimum AGE and residency requirements are NON-NEGOTIABLE. Due to in-person commitments, we recommend that applicants live within 30 miles of Berkeley Lab.