
Summer break offers more than just a chance to relax—it’s a powerful window of opportunity, especially for high school students with a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Rather than seeing summer as a pause in learning, forward-thinking students are using it as a launchpad into the real world of research, innovation, and hands-on discovery. These months away from the classroom can become a pivotal time to explore your interests in depth, gain exposure to real-world challenges, and take your first steps toward a future career in a STEM field.
While your peers may spend the summer catching up on Netflix shows or endlessly scrolling through social media feeds, you could be working in a lab alongside professional scientists, programming a new app from scratch, or analyzing environmental data that contributes to sustainability efforts. STEM internships don’t involve busywork like filing papers or fetching coffee. Instead, they provide immersive, purpose-driven experiences that allow students to participate in meaningful projects, develop practical skills, and contribute to ongoing research or product development in real-world contexts.
These internships are designed not only to introduce students to technical tools and knowledge, but to foster the kind of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving that define success in the 21st-century workforce. Interns may find themselves brainstorming solutions with engineers, attending lectures by leading researchers, or contributing to publications and presentations that could shape future scientific discourse. For many students, these experiences ignite a deeper passion for STEM and a clearer understanding of how they want to make an impact.
Whether through programs affiliated with top universities, government agencies, or innovative tech companies, the range of STEM internships available to high school students continues to grow. From the National Institutes of Health and NASA to private-sector leaders like Lockheed Martin and Genentech, organizations around the country are investing in early STEM talent—providing students with mentorship, hands-on training, and often stipends or academic credit.
The bottom line? If you’re serious about STEM, summer is more than a break—it’s your chance to accelerate. These experiences not only prepare you for future academic success but also help shape your identity as a learner, innovator, and leader. They can open doors to mentorship, inspire future research projects, and set you apart in college applications. Ultimately, participating in a STEM internship signals that you’re ready to move beyond theory and start building the future.
Why STEM Internships Matter
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
For many high school students, the classroom is where STEM concepts are introduced—but often not where they come alive. You’ve likely spent countless hours memorizing equations, completing lab reports, and solving abstract problem sets. While these academic exercises build foundational knowledge, they can sometimes feel disconnected from the real-world problems scientists and engineers are working to solve.
This is where STEM internships make a powerful difference. By immersing yourself in hands-on experiences, you can witness firsthand how theoretical knowledge is applied in practical settings. Whether you're helping design a prototype for a medical device, developing a machine learning algorithm, or assisting with data collection in a climate research project, these internships turn abstract ideas into tangible outcomes. They provide a unique opportunity to move beyond simulations and textbooks—and step into the realities of how science, technology, engineering, and math are used to solve real challenges.
Internships also teach you how to think like a professional problem solver. You’ll develop the ability to troubleshoot, iterate, and collaborate in ways that aren’t always possible in the confines of a traditional high school classroom.
Real-World Exposure and Career Discovery
One of the most valuable aspects of a STEM internship is the chance to explore your future career options. High school is often a time of uncertainty—when you’re still figuring out what excites you, what you’re good at, and what kind of impact you want to make. Internships offer a sneak peek into various STEM career paths, helping you determine whether a particular field truly aligns with your interests and strengths.
You might enter a program thinking you're destined for medicine, only to discover a love for bioinformatics or environmental engineering. Or perhaps your internship helps you realize that software development is your true calling. This kind of self-discovery is invaluable—it saves time, builds confidence, and helps guide your future academic and career decisions.
Equally important, many top-tier STEM internships provide access to experienced mentors—research scientists, engineers, data analysts, or graduate students—who can share their personal journeys, offer insider tips, and help you navigate your own path. These mentors are often generous with their time and insight, offering not just instruction but inspiration and encouragement.
A Competitive Edge in College Admissions
As college admissions grow more competitive, simply earning good grades and scoring well on standardized tests is no longer enough to stand out. Admissions committees are looking for students who demonstrate initiative, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. A STEM internship embodies all three.
By taking part in a summer internship, you signal that you are proactive, motivated, and willing to pursue advanced learning opportunities on your own time. This level of initiative is compelling to admissions officers. More than that, internships provide rich content for personal statements, supplemental essays, and interviews. Instead of general anecdotes, you can talk about real problems you worked to solve, challenges you overcame, or how your experience reshaped your academic goals.
You’ll be able to write and speak from experience—whether it’s a late-night coding breakthrough, a lab experiment that didn’t go as planned, or a moment when you realized the real-world impact of your work. These are the stories that add dimension to your application and help you rise above the crowd.
Building Professional Skills and Networks
Beyond the subject-specific knowledge you gain, STEM internships are also training grounds for vital professional skills. Communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and adaptability are just as important in a research lab or tech company as they are in the classroom. Internships help you develop these soft skills through real interactions and responsibilities, giving you a stronger sense of how to work effectively in a professional setting.
You’ll learn how to navigate feedback, collaborate with people from different backgrounds, meet deadlines, and present your work clearly—whether in a team meeting or at a final symposium. These experiences not only build maturity and confidence but prepare you for both academic and workplace environments in the future.
Just as importantly, STEM internships introduce you to a community of like-minded peers and mentors. The connections you build can lead to future internships, research opportunities, and strong recommendation letters. In some cases, they might even open the door to college lab placements, early job shadowing, or entrepreneurial projects.
These networks are often long-lasting, providing guidance and opportunities well beyond high school. In an increasingly interconnected world, building your professional community early can make a meaningful difference in your journey.
Top STEM Internships for High School Students
If you're a high school student looking to gain real-world experience, build technical skills, and explore potential career paths in science, technology, engineering, or math, a summer internship can be one of the most rewarding investments you make. These programs are designed to give motivated students a rare opportunity to work alongside professionals, participate in meaningful research, and even contribute to innovations that impact the world.
The following internships represent some of the most prestigious and enriching STEM opportunities available to high school students in the United States. Each program has its own focus, structure, and application requirements, so be sure to review deadlines, eligibility criteria, and expectations carefully.
1. NASA OSTEM Internships
Overview:
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers high school students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at various NASA centers across the country. Participants collaborate directly with NASA scientists and engineers, contributing to projects in space exploration, planetary science, robotics, computer science, environmental engineering, and more.
What You’ll Do:
Interns may help analyze satellite data, support the development of robotic systems, or work on simulation models for future space missions. These projects are not just theoretical—they are directly tied to NASA’s cutting-edge work and research.
Format & Benefits:
Programs are available both virtually and in person. Students accepted into the internship receive a stipend to support their participation. Beyond technical work, the internship also includes mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities within the broader NASA community.
Eligibility:
High school students aged 16 or older who are U.S. citizens and have strong academic records—particularly in STEM subjects—are eligible to apply. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate leadership skills and a strong interest in aerospace or engineering.
Why It Matters:
This program is ideal for students aspiring to work in aerospace, physics, mechanical engineering, or any space-related discipline. The name recognition of NASA and the rigorous training make this one of the most sought-after STEM internships in the country.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Overview:
The NIH High School Summer Internship Program allows students to engage in world-class biomedical research across NIH’s multiple campuses, including its flagship campus in Bethesda, Maryland. Students are placed in research groups that reflect their academic interests and work side-by-side with NIH scientists and clinicians.
What You’ll Do:
Interns may contribute to lab experiments, analyze genomic data, assist in public health studies, or help prepare scientific manuscripts. The work is rigorous, and interns are treated as valuable contributors to ongoing NIH projects.
Format & Benefits:
The eight-week summer program includes a stipend and is full-time. In addition to hands-on research, students participate in career development workshops, seminars with NIH leaders, and peer networking events. The program especially encourages applications from students from backgrounds underrepresented in science.
Eligibility:
Open to high school juniors and seniors who are 17 years old or older by June 15 of the internship year. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must reside within 40 miles of the NIH campus they apply to. Academic strength in science courses and a demonstrated interest in biomedical research are key criteria.
Why It Matters:
NIH is the largest biomedical research agency in the world. Participating in HS-SIP not only gives you access to groundbreaking research, but it also prepares you for future academic pathways in medicine, biology, genetics, or neuroscience. It’s especially powerful for students considering careers in health sciences or clinical research.
3. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) – REAP and High School Apprenticeships
Overview:
The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) offers several pathways for high school students to explore STEM careers in real-world Army research environments. One of the most notable opportunities is REAP—the Research & Engineering Apprenticeship Program—which places students in Army-sponsored university labs for summer research experiences.
What You’ll Do:
Participants are paired with professional scientists and engineers to assist on projects in diverse fields like materials science, environmental engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and applied physics. Interns are expected to conduct real research and contribute meaningfully to ongoing work.
Format & Benefits:
REAP is a 5–8 week summer program that includes a stipend, ensuring students can focus fully on the experience. Internships may take place at university research centers, military labs, or other affiliated facilities, depending on location.
Eligibility:
Open to high school students from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds in STEM, particularly rising juniors and seniors. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and demonstrate strong interest and academic performance in STEM fields.
Why It Matters:
AEOP provides a unique blend of military research, academic collaboration, and mentorship—giving students a behind-the-scenes look at how STEM supports national defense and innovation. For students considering engineering, defense technology, or physics-related careers, AEOP is a powerful starting point.
4. Lockheed Martin High School Internships
Overview:
As one of the leading aerospace and defense contractors in the world, Lockheed Martin offers high school internships that allow students to engage with advanced engineering projects that impact national security, aerospace technology, and scientific innovation.
What You’ll Do:
Interns work on real-world projects in aerospace engineering, software development, robotics, systems integration, and avionics. Tasks may include helping with simulations, supporting software testing, or participating in design reviews.
Format & Benefits:
Internships are paid and typically last 8–9 weeks during the summer. Locations vary by project but include major Lockheed Martin campuses in Colorado, Florida, Alabama, and other strategic engineering hubs. Interns receive one-on-one mentorship and exposure to a professional engineering environment.
Eligibility:
Open to high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate strong academic performance in math and science, and who have a keen interest in engineering or technology. U.S. citizenship is usually required due to security clearance regulations.
Why It Matters:
Few high school students get the chance to work with technologies that support satellite launches, defense systems, or space exploration. Lockheed Martin’s program offers early exposure to high-stakes innovation and mentorship from some of the best minds in the aerospace industry.
5. Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) High School Research Internships
Overview:
Located on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York, the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) offers an immersive, six-week summer research internship focused on plant science, sustainability, and biotechnology.
What You’ll Do:
Interns are integrated into ongoing laboratory research, where they study plant genetics, disease resistance, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and more. Each student is paired with a research mentor and contributes to experiments, data analysis, and the preparation of research presentations.
Format & Benefits:
This full-time internship includes a stipend and culminates in a final scientific symposium, where students present their findings to peers, researchers, and the BTI community. The program also features professional development workshops, networking events, and seminars on scientific careers and graduate school pathways.
Eligibility:
Open to high school juniors and seniors with a minimum B average in science and math courses. Students from across the U.S. may apply, and housing may be available depending on circumstances and funding.
Why It Matters:
BTI’s internship is ideal for students interested in environmental science, agriculture, molecular biology, or sustainability. The program emphasizes rigorous lab work, mentorship, and a strong introduction to academic research methods at the university level.
6. Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center Summer High School Internship Program
Overview:
Located in Seattle, Washington, the Fred Hutch Cancer Center offers a prestigious eight-week summer internship program specifically designed for rising high school seniors who come from backgrounds historically underrepresented in biomedical research. The goal is to increase diversity in STEM fields by providing hands-on research and mentorship experiences.
What You’ll Do:
Interns are placed in laboratories across the Fred Hutch campus, where they participate in ongoing cancer biology, immunology, virology, and public health research. Students assist with lab experiments, data collection, and scientific documentation. They also engage in a structured curriculum that includes journal clubs, lectures, and presentations.
Format & Benefits:
This is a full-time, paid summer internship. In addition to lab work, students participate in enrichment activities such as field trips, college preparation workshops, and career panels. The program fosters a strong sense of community and includes social events to help students connect with their peers and mentors.
Eligibility:
Open to rising high school seniors (typically 17 years old) attending school in the Seattle area. Priority is given to students from groups underrepresented in STEM (including students of color, first-generation college students, and those from low-income backgrounds).
Why It Matters:
Fred Hutch is one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions. Interning here provides students with early exposure to cutting-edge biomedical science and academic research while helping build confidence, skills, and networks for future success in healthcare and science fields.
7. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) High School Internship Program
Overview:
The Idaho National Laboratory, one of the nation’s premier nuclear research facilities, offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore advanced topics in nuclear energy, cybersecurity, environmental science, and sustainable energy. This internship is ideal for students interested in large-scale STEM applications and national security.
What You’ll Do:
Interns are matched with mentors across various departments at INL, contributing to projects related to nuclear fuel cycle innovation, clean energy solutions, cyber-defense systems, or radioactive waste management. Interns engage in real lab and fieldwork and may also participate in technical presentations and tours of INL's specialized facilities.
Format & Benefits:
The program typically runs over the summer and is paid. Interns work full-time under the guidance of professional scientists and engineers, gaining insight into federal research infrastructure and scientific project management.
Eligibility:
Open to high school juniors and seniors (aged 16 and older). Applicants must demonstrate strong academic achievement, especially in science and math, and a genuine interest in the mission of INL. U.S. citizenship is required.
Why It Matters:
INL is a hub for high-impact research on national energy challenges. This internship not only exposes students to complex, interdisciplinary scientific work but also builds awareness of how science contributes to global sustainability and security.
8. J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) High School Internship Program
Overview:
The J. Craig Venter Institute is a leading research organization focused on genomics, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics. Its high school internship program introduces students to the rapidly evolving field of genomic research and is ideal for those interested in molecular biology, computer science, or biotechnology.
What You’ll Do:
Interns join research teams to assist with laboratory experiments and computational biology projects. They may work with DNA sequencing data, learn how to use bioinformatics tools, and gain exposure to research focused on microbiomes, synthetic genomes, and disease diagnostics. Many interns work on wet lab and dry lab tasks, providing a well-rounded research experience.
Format & Benefits:
This is a paid internship, typically offered during the summer at JCVI’s campuses in either Rockville, Maryland or La Jolla, California. Interns work under the guidance of experienced mentors and participate in seminars and training sessions throughout the program.
Eligibility:
Open to high school students aged 16 and older who demonstrate strong aptitude in science and math, particularly biology and computer science. The selection process is competitive and favors students with a demonstrated interest in pursuing research.
Why It Matters:
For students curious about the intersection of biology and technology, JCVI offers a rare chance to contribute to world-class genomic research. Interns gain early access to the tools, concepts, and practices that are driving future medical and environmental breakthroughs.
9. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Overview:
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Navy, the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places high-achieving high school students in Navy research labs for immersive, eight-week summer apprenticeships. The program is part of the Navy’s effort to cultivate the next generation of scientists and engineers who may one day contribute to national defense and technological innovation.
What You’ll Do:
Interns work alongside Navy scientists and engineers on active research projects. These may include materials science, data analytics, cybersecurity, environmental science, marine technology, and aerospace systems. Students are treated as junior team members and may be asked to analyze data, help design experiments, or contribute to technical reports.
Format & Benefits:
SEAP is a full-time, paid internship. In addition to hands-on research, students participate in mentorship activities and are encouraged to present their work at the end of the summer. The program is hosted at various Navy labs across the U.S., providing a geographically diverse set of opportunities.
Eligibility:
Open to high school students who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and enrolled in school at the time of application. Competitive applicants have a strong academic background in STEM and demonstrate enthusiasm for applied research.
Why It Matters:
SEAP offers a rare chance for high school students to engage directly in federal defense research. Participants gain not only technical knowledge but also insight into how science and engineering are used to support national security.
10. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Overview:
The Simons Summer Research Program is one of the most selective and prestigious research experiences available to high school students. Hosted at Stony Brook University in New York, this seven-week residential program allows students to work alongside faculty mentors on authentic university-level research in science, mathematics, or engineering.
What You’ll Do:
Students are matched with Stony Brook researchers and fully integrated into active labs. Interns may explore projects in biomedical engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, ecology, and chemistry. In addition to conducting research, students attend weekly seminars, journal clubs, and skills workshops.
Format & Benefits:
Participants live in dorms on the Stony Brook campus and receive a stipend. The program culminates in a formal research symposium where students present their findings to faculty, peers, and invited guests.
Eligibility:
Open to high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate a clear passion for research through essays and recommendations.
Why It Matters:
Simons alumni often go on to win national STEM competitions or gain admission to top-tier colleges and research programs. The program provides not only unparalleled academic rigor but also a glimpse into the culture and expectations of higher-level scientific research.
11. National Security Agency (NSA) High School Work-Study Program
Overview:
For students interested in national security, computer science, and engineering, the NSA High School Work-Study Program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of the most advanced intelligence and cybersecurity agencies in the world.
What You’ll Do:
Students are placed in various NSA departments where they support IT, cybersecurity, data analysis, and engineering teams. Interns assist with hardware maintenance, software troubleshooting, database work, and even secure communications systems—all while maintaining high levels of professionalism and confidentiality.
Format & Benefits:
This paid internship is designed for rising seniors and typically runs part-time during the academic year, with some positions offering full-time summer work. Students gain exposure to real NSA projects, professional training, and mentorship from agency staff. Security clearance is required and provided through the program.
Eligibility:
Open to U.S. citizens who are high school juniors at the time of application (rising seniors). Students must maintain a strong GPA, demonstrate good attendance, and be eligible for a government security clearance.
Why It Matters:
The NSA program sets students on a path toward careers in national defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity. Few internships provide this level of professional rigor and early access to secure, mission-critical STEM environments.
12. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Overview:
Run by the American Fisheries Society, the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a highly regarded summer internship designed to introduce high school students to aquatic science, natural resource management, and environmental conservation.
What You’ll Do:
Interns work alongside professional fisheries biologists on field research and conservation projects. This may include water quality monitoring, fish population surveys, habitat restoration, and ecological data collection. Students also complete educational modules and participate in a final summit event.
Format & Benefits:
The program is eight weeks long and includes a $3,000 stipend. Interns are placed with mentors in federal agencies, universities, and environmental organizations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
Eligibility:
Open to high school juniors and seniors. The program encourages applications from students of diverse backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups in science. No prior fieldwork experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Why It Matters:
The Hutton Program is ideal for students who are passionate about ecology, environmental science, or wildlife conservation. With its combination of fieldwork, mentorship, and a generous stipend, it offers a compelling introduction to careers in the biological sciences.
Making the Most of Your Internship Experience
Landing a STEM internship is an impressive achievement—but how you use the opportunity matters just as much as securing it. The most successful interns don’t just show up—they participate actively, learn intentionally, and build lasting relationships that extend far beyond the final day of the program. Here are key strategies to help you make your internship truly count.
Set Clear Goals Before You Start
Before your internship begins, take time to reflect on what you want to achieve. Are you hoping to explore a field you’re curious about—such as biomedical research or software engineering? Do you want to develop specific technical skills, like data analysis or programming? Or are you hoping to get a sense of what daily life is like in a lab, startup, or research institution?
Defining your personal goals will help you stay focused throughout the experience and give you a framework for measuring your progress. It also allows you to communicate your interests to mentors and supervisors, helping them tailor your tasks and guidance accordingly.
Tip: Write down 2–3 goals and revisit them weekly to track how your experience is aligning with them.
Engage Fully and Ask Meaningful Questions
No matter the assignment—big or small—approach every task with curiosity and commitment. Whether you’re assisting with a minor calibration or analyzing research data, your attitude will set you apart. Show initiative by asking, “What else can I do?” or “Can I try this next?”
Asking thoughtful questions not only helps you learn but also shows mentors that you’re engaged and thinking critically. Be curious about both the technical and personal aspects of the work: “What led you to this field?” “What challenges do you face in this research?” “What courses helped prepare you for this career?”
Tip: Keep a running list of questions in a notebook or on your phone—you can use them in meetings or one-on-one conversations.
Document Your Work and Reflections
Internships are packed with learning moments, and documenting them will pay off in many ways. Maintain a journal, digital log, or even a personal blog to track what you're working on, new terms you’ve learned, skills you’ve developed, and any obstacles you've encountered and overcome.
This reflection process not only helps solidify your learning but also provides a rich source of material for future college essays, interviews, research statements, or project portfolios. If your work results in a tangible product—like a research paper, app, or poster presentation—consider adding it to a personal website or portfolio to showcase later.
Tip: At the end of each week, jot down a brief summary: what you learned, what challenged you, and what you’re curious about next.
Seek Mentorship and Build Lasting Relationships
One of the most valuable—and often overlooked—aspects of an internship is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with mentors and peers. Whether it’s a principal investigator, postdoc, graduate student, or industry professional, these individuals can offer guidance on both academic and career decisions.
Make an effort to connect. Ask for advice on classes, college applications, or professional paths. Stay in touch after the internship ends through email or professional networks like LinkedIn. Many students find that mentors from internships later write recommendation letters, connect them to future opportunities, or become long-term guides.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to initiate conversations or ask for a brief informational meeting near the end of your internship to reflect on your experience and ask about next steps.
From Internship to Long-Term Academic Growth
A STEM internship can be the beginning—not the end—of your academic journey. While summer programs provide an exciting introduction to real-world research and innovation, true growth comes from sustained engagement. For students who want to take their experience to the next level, mentorship-driven programs like those at Nova Scholar Education offer a clear pathway forward.
Nova Scholar connects driven students with accomplished mentors from elite institutions including Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, and Yale. These mentors guide students through rigorous, personalized projects that extend far beyond what’s typically available in a high school classroom. Whether you’re refining a research question, prototyping a solution, or preparing to publish or present your work, Nova Scholar’s structured support helps turn raw curiosity into real achievement.
- Nova Fundamentals: A one-month program designed for middle school students who are beginning to explore their academic interests and want a strong foundation in research and inquiry-based learning.
- Nova Research: A 2.5–5 month program for middle and high school students looking to undertake a guided research project with college-level depth. Ideal for students who want to write a publishable paper, enter competitions, or explore advanced topics under expert mentorship.
- Nova Patent: A 2–4 month program geared toward high school students interested in innovation, invention, and entrepreneurship. With mentorship from university-level experts, students work on patentable ideas and learn the basics of intellectual property.
By continuing their journey beyond internships, students not only deepen their technical expertise but also develop the initiative, focus, and creative vision that selective colleges and future employers consistently seek. Programs like these help students transform early STEM exposure into polished, high-impact outcomes that demonstrate both passion and potential.
Final Thoughts: Turn Your Summer into a Catalyst for the Future
A STEM internship is more than just a summer activity—it’s a formative experience that can shape your academic identity, career goals, and personal direction. For high school students ready to step beyond the ordinary, internships offer a chance to discover what truly excites you, solve meaningful problems, and work alongside professionals who are shaping the future.
These programs help students gain confidence, clarity, and purpose. You’ll walk away with more than just new skills—you’ll carry with you a sense of momentum and vision that few of your peers will have. Whether your goal is to pursue medicine, computer science, environmental engineering, or an entirely new field, STEM internships give you a head start and a competitive edge.
Don’t let your summer slip by passively. Take initiative. Explore. Ask questions. Build something meaningful. With the right support and a willingness to engage deeply, even a single summer can be the start of a transformative journey—one that defines not just what you’ll study, but who you’ll become.