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Student Internship and Summer Research Opportunities

Presentations from the NASA Internship Information Session

Previous NASA Interns from Wyoming

More information about NASA Centers (NASA website)

NASA Centers and primary student academic disciplines at each

National Student Funding/Research Opportunities (these are not internship programs)

NASA Student Opportunities Podcasts

List of Internship Opportunities:

NASA Centers

Aerospace Industry Internship Positions

Other Aerospace Related Internship Programs (not at NASA centers)

Descriptions of Opportunities

Achieving Competence in Computing, Engineering, and Space Science (ACCESS) NASA Internships

ACCESS is a 10-week internship project at NASA centers around the United States.
ACCESS is designed for undergraduate and graduate students (U.S. citizens or right-to-work permit) with disabilities who have strong backgrounds in science and a desire to pursue technical careers. ACCESS interns will work with scientists and engineers in an area compatible with their skills and interests.
ACCESS internships will be located at several NASA centers around the country. In addition to offering competitive salary stipends, NASA provides for assistive technology and other reasonable worksite accommodations needed by the student to be a fully productive member of the technology team. Limited travel funds and recommendations for finding accessible housing and transportation will be offered through the program.
Additional information available through link above, other information is also available through the EntryPoint website.
Check in early November for application information for the following summer.

Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) NASA internship opportunities

ESMD Internships are aimed primarily at engineering students. The internships are available at a variety of times throughout the year and are located at most NASA centers. A stipend of $6000 (including travel allowance) is provided. Please follow the link above for more information (including a list of available internship positions). Application deadlines: ~October 2009 (for Spring internships), February 4, 2009* (for Summer internships), and ~May 2009 (for Fall internships).
*Please note, due to a computer glitch the application deadline has been extended from Feb 1 to Feb 4 (updated as of: Jan 29, 2009).
PDF LogoESMD Student Information Handbook

NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program
(direct link to application site)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and The National Space Grant College and Fellowship program sponsor the NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program (NASA-USRP) offering undergraduates across the United States mentored research experiences at 13 participating NASA Centers. Two sessions are offered: 10-week program during Summer and 15-week program during Spring and Fall terms. This program was initiated in 2001, and provides a great opportunity for undergraduates to become involved in research in a wide variety of science and engineering fields at NASA centers around the country. In 2007 students will receive a stipend of $6,000 (for 10-week Summer appointments, $9,000 for 15-week Spring or Fall appointments), plus round-trip travel allowance. Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior after Spring 2008 (i.e., you will be classified as a sophomore, junior, or senior after finishing Spring 2008 courses). Open to U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. College or University (community college students may apply, however placement is contingent on matriculation into a four-year institution). Minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale. Application deadlines: ~October (for Spring 2010 positions), January 23 (for Summer 2009 positions), ~end-February (for Fall 2009 positions).

NASA Academy Summer Research Internships

The NASA Academy is a unique summer institute of higher learning whose goal is to guide future leaders of the Space Program by giving them a unique perspective on the entire NASA system. It includes a 10-week residency program on the campus of a NASA research center. During this residency, students work closely with NASA researchers on on-going projects, work with other residents on team projects, and attend discussions with experts from both inside and outside NASA. Eligibility: U.S. citizenship, U.S. permanent residency (i.e., green card holders), or citizen of participating European Space Agency (ESA) countries**; junior or senior undergraduate or first or second year graduate; high academic standing and demonstrated interest in the space program.

**The "Participating countries" are: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (list as of December 2006).

PARTICIPATING NASA ACADEMY CENTERS:

  • Ames Research Center (California)
  • Glenn Research Center (Ohio)
  • Goddard Space Flight Center (Virginia)
  • Marshall Space Flight Center (Alabama)

SUPPORT FOR WYOMING STUDENTS IN NASA ACADEMY
The Wyoming Space Grant provides support for students selected by NASA to participate in the Summer Academy program. Space Grant support includes a stipend of $4,000 and round-trip travel costs to reach the participating NASA Center. All other basic expenses for the program, including lodging and meals, are provided by each Center.

Application materials for the NASA Academy are online (links below) and will be reviewed by the Wyoming Space Grant office. Please let us help you with your application (particularly the essay portions) so you can prepare the strongest possible submission for this very competitive program.

Goddard Combined Internship Application Opportunities

The following seven opportunities are all available through a single on-line application.

    NASA Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) Internship Program

    The NASA/Independent Verification & Validation Internship Program consists of a 10-week resident summer research program for diverse undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or related fields. It gives its participants working knowledge of NASA and its programs. Through this internship the interns will learn how NASA and IV&V Facility operate and gain experience working with a leading Software Assurance research program. Projects may include working hand-in-hand with researchers performing NASA funded research, sanitizing and preparing data and artifacts to support research efforts, developing tools to assist IV&V engineers and project managers, and working to infuse the results of research into NASA software development and IV&V projects.
    Open to rising junior or senior undergraduate (i.e., will be a junior or senior after completing Spring classes) or 1st-2nd year graduate students, with a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applications are due annually in mid- to end of January (2009 deadline January 16, 2009).

    NASA Student Internship Program (SIP)

    SIP is designed for students whose primary interest is in space related research. Research is conducted in areas of aeronautics, Earth science, space science, propulsion, material science, remote sensing, and computational analysis.  SIP is a 10-week summer program held at NASA Goddard (Baltimore/Washington, DC), Wallops (Chincoteague, VA), or Goddard Institute for Space Science (Manhattan, New York) centers.  It is open to rising sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduates or first year graduate students who are enrolled fulltime as of May of the program year.  Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applications are due annually at the end of January (2009 deadline January 16).

    NASA Robotics Internship Program

    The NASA Robotics Internship Program is a 10 week resident summer internship for students specifically interested in robotics. Students who have previously participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition, Botball, or have taken active interest in robotics in demonstrable ways will be given priority. Participants will be assigned to a team project developed by NASA/Goddard or local industry and academic institutions (2-3 students per project). In addition to direct guidance from the Principal Investigator (PI) who sponsored the project, an advanced robotics student will be assigned as team coach to guide interns and manage the project on a daily basis. The interns will also participate in enriching activities such as a group project, lectures, and meetings with leaders in the field. All participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applications are due annually at the end of January (2009 deadline January 16).

    The qualifications for a team lead positions: Advanced undergraduate or graduate students with curricular backgrounds in robotics.

    The qualifications for an intern position: Rising freshman or sophomore undergraduate, with previous background in robotics.

    See also the NASA Robotics Academy at Marshall

    NASA/Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) Student Internship Program

    The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has a 45-year history of innovative space science and engineering. Since 1959, APL engineers and scientists have designed, built, and launched 61 spacecraft and over 150 instruments. APL helped pioneer quick reaction spacecraft, invented many of the techniques now standard in today's spacecraft, but also develop entire space systems, such as the Navy Transit navigation system. Several important systems conceived and developed at APL have been transferred to industry for production. Recently we have extended our low-cost planetary mission methodology to such NASA missions as NEAR, ACE, MESSENGER and New Horizons. As a not-for-profit Research and Development division of the Johns Hopkins University, our vision is to advance the knowledge and use of space for the benefit of all humankind. This program is a 10-week summer program held at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (Laurel, Maryland - near Baltimore). It is open to rising junior and senior undergraduates or first year graduate students. All participants must be U.S. citizens. Applications are due annually at the end of January (2009 deadline is January 16).

    NASA Summer Aerospace Workforce Development Research Internship Program (SAWDRIP)

    NASA Summer Aerospace Workforce Development Research Internship Program is a collaboration among: NASA Goddard University Programs Office, the Maryland Space Business Roundtable (MSBR) and Maryland Space Grant Consortium. Undergraduate students are placed in state-of-the-art projects with aerospace companies to mold students' internship experience to skills marketable to both NASA and aerospace companies that support NASA. MSBR serves as the forum to announce and endorse this unique program to their aerospace membership that enables these companies to engage in a unique partnership opportunity to cultivate and inspire the future workforce of the U.S. Space Program. Companies that wish to participate are able to "try out" a future candidate, enabling the student and mentor to build loyalty and perhaps a place on the company's team.

    This internship is held for 10 weeks during the summer with participating Aerospace Contractor companies (members of the Maryland Space Business Roundtable, MSBR, that support the mission of NASA/Goddard) in the Washington, DC area. It is open to rising junior or senior undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Annual application deadline is near the end of January (2009 deadline is January 16).

    Summer Institute in Engineering and Computer Applications (SIECA)

    SIECA was established in conjunction with Bowie State University to increase the pool of minority graduates in computer science and related disciplines. SIECA includes students from minority universities throughout the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Graduate and undergraduates students are selected for a 10-week program in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Physics. The students are placed with a senior scientist to gain additional experience in their technical field and to gain better understanding of NASA/Goddard and its mission. This internship is 10 weeks during the summer at Goddard Space Flight Center. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled as a junior, senior, or graduate student and have a technical major that is compatible with Goddard. Annual application deadline is near the end of January (2009 deadline is January 16).

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Space Grant Internship Program

This program is available year-round (positions are available in Summer, Fall, or Spring). Students will work with a full-time mentor from the staff at JPL on one of over 100 technical research projects at JPL (Pasadena, California). Students will also be able to participate in seminars, social events, and other "enrichment" opportunities offered by JPL and Caltech. Students will be housed on the Caltech campus. Round-trip bus transportation from Caltech to JPL will be provided.

Please read through the list of PDF Logo2008 Space Grant Student Abstracts (256KB) to get an idea of what internship opportunities are available.

These positions are open to engineering and science undergraduate students (rising juniors and seniors preferred -- i.e., students who will be considered a junior or senior after completing spring semester classes) and graduate students (including undergraduates completing their senior year and continuing on to graduate school in the fall). Applicants must be U.S. citizens and it is preferred if they have a 3.0 or better GPA (cumulative). Students from underrepresented minority groups (including women and disabled) are especially encouraged to apply. Students will be housed on the Caltech campus, bus transportation from Caltech to JPL will be provided. In addition to technical tasks, students will be able to take part in seminars, social events, and other "enrichment" opportunities offered by JPL and Caltech.

Applications for this program consist of the following:

Submit applications by e-mail: send a single e-mail to wsgc(at)uwyo.edu with all the relevant files as attachments in PDF or MS Word format (file format help). We would prefer to receive only two attachments: 1. application form, 2. cover letter, resume, and transcripts all included in a single file.
If electronic submission is not possible, please submit paper applications (one original and one photocopy) to the WSGC office.

Deadlines: for summer 2009 positions, applications must be submitted by February 2, 2009 12:00pm (noon) [there is no deadline for Spring and Fall positions, please submit all materials to the WSGC office and indicate you are interested in Fall or Spring internships].
Please let us help you with your application so you can prepare the strongest possible submission.

JPL engineers and scientists will review the resumes and make the final selections (final selections are typically announced by mid-April). WSGC will provide students selected by JPL with a $6000 stipend and a travel allowance.

Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science

The Lunar and Planetary Institute invites undergraduates to experience cutting-edge research in the planetary sciences through our Summer Intern Program. As a Summer Intern, you would work one-on-one with a scientist at the LPI or at the Johnson Space Center (Houston, Texas) to complete a research project of current interest in planetary science. The Summer Intern program allows participants to experience a real research environment, to learn from top-notch planetary scientists, and to preview careers in research. This is a 10-week summer program open to undergraduates with at least 50 semester hours of credit (undergraduates who just graduated in winter or spring prior to the start of the internship are also eligible). Open to both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. Dates for 2009: June 8 - Aug 14. Stipend: $5000 plus housing, $1000 travel reimbursement (for US travel), or $1500 travel reimbursement (for foreign interns). Applications due: January 23, 2009.

Lewis' Educational and Research Collaborative Internship Program (LERCIP)

This program provides students with:

  • Introductory professional experience to complement their academic programs and research interest.
  • Opportunities to develop their skills in research and development, technical, and administrative projects under the guidance of a NASA staff member.
  • Experience in a research and development environment to expand the student's understanding of potential career choices that are available at NASA. Activities include oral presentations.

All internships take place at Glenn Research Center, Ohio. LERCIP is open to U.S. Citizens who are full-time students pursuing a baccalaureate or higher degree in a field of science, engineering, math, technology, or business administration at an accredited college or university throughout the United States or Puerto Rico. College-bound graduating high school seniors or 2-year college students with demonstrable plans to pursue baccalaureate degrees are also eligible. Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. There is also a program offered for secondary school teachers. Application deadline for summer 2009 college appointments is January 31, 2009 (applications are available on-line from either the Glenn Research Center or the Ohio Aerospace Institute).

Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS)

The LARSS program is a 10-week summer internship at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). There are two levels of programs, the first benefits rising undergraduate juniors and seniors (i.e., undergraduates that will be classified as juniors or seniors after completing spring courses), and graduate students who are pursuing degrees in aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, computer science, atmospheric science, astrophysics, physics, chemistry, or selected aerospace disciplines of interest to LaRC. Students with other majors that lend support to NASA's Mission in special project areas such as business administration, public administration, finance, communications, journalism, accounting, and media arts are also invited to apply. (Applicants must be U.S. citizen.)
The second program is a "Bridge Program" which allows outstanding high school seniors and first- and second-year college students with a GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale to be accepted for an internship, at a reduced rate of pay, providing that they have previous NASA experience such as participation in the NASA SHARP Program, CHROME, Governor’s School, or other sponsored programs.
Approximately 125 students are selected each year and sponsored for a 10-week period of research under the supervision of a NASA technical mentor. The research period begins the first week of June. Undergraduate juniors and seniors are awarded a scholarship of $4,500. This amount is increased to $5,000 for graduate students. The stipend amount for LARSS Bridge participants (based upon the 10-week period of research) is: $4,000 for rising sophomores, $3,600 for rising freshman (students that have graduated high school and will be starting college in the fall), and $2,500 for rising high school seniors (students who will be high school seniors in the fall).
The 2009 summer program will begin early June and conclude early August (Spring and Fall programs are also offered).
Application deadline for summer internships: February 1, 2009.

Langley Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship Program

The GIS Internship Program is open to community college, undergraduate, and graduate students majoring in the fields of geography, technology, and civil engineering with experience in geospatial technology or an interest in developing their skills in spatial data technology in support of NASA's mission. A student majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) or any other major and demonstrating an interest in working in geospatial technology will also be considered.
Exceptional and highly motivated high school students with at least a 3.3 GPA and a demonstrated interest in entering a field such as geography, urban planning, civil engineering, or related area will also be considered.
Application deadlines are: November 1, 2008 (for Spring 2009 internships), and February 6, 2009 (for Summer 2009 internships).

Space Telescope Science Institute Summer Student Program

Each summer the Space Telescope Science Institute brings 15 to 20 students to Baltimore, Maryland, for our Summer Student Program (SSP). The SSP lasts ten weeks, from mid-June to mid-August. SSP students work with STScI researchers and staff one-on-one in projects ranging from astronomical research to science writing, software development, and preparation of scientific data for public release.
The SSP is oriented around upper division undergraduates, but we have had students from all academic levels and a broad variety of backgrounds.
There are no restrictions on who may apply, and the SSP is open to foreign students.
Application deadline: February 20, 2008.

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

AISES scholarships are intended to supplement the unmet financial needs of qualified American Indian students pursuing studies in science, engineering and technology. AISES provide opportunities for college students to intern at a variety of federal agencies (including NASA Goddard Space Flight Center). AISES is the largest organization that has the goal of increasing the number of Native Americans in science, mathematics, and engineering. AISES membership is strongly encouraged. Application deadline: February 15, 2009 (for summer appointments).

NASA Planetary Biology Internship Program (PBI)

Provides opportunities to explore scientific questions of global scale about planet Earth. For six to eight weeks, generally during the summer, graduate students and senior undergraduates admitted to graduate school (who are majoring in biology or other related sciences such as paleontology, atmospheric science, and geochemistry, with interests in planetary biology) are granted a one-time opportunity to travel outside their home institutions to participate in research related to NASA's planetary biology objectives. Interns will receive a stipend of $3200 for the 8 weeks of their participation in the program, and reimbursement for transportation costs not to exceed $1100. "Applicants will be considered for awards without regard to race, creed, color, sex, national origin, or handicap." Application deadline March 2, 2009.

National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a U.S. or foreign location. See program website for lists of REU locations. REU programs generally take place for 10 weeks during the summer (exact dates vary by location). Contact the REU locations directly for application information. Application deadlines vary by REU site, but are generally February-March.

NASA Ames Education Associates Program

NASA's Education Associates program offers college and university students and faculty the opportunity to experience science and technology in the unique environment of NASA. It will be a hands-on experience at a NASA center working with NASA scientists, engineers and program managers on a NASA project. The projects will run the gambit of NASA's missions -- from the space shuttle to exploring the solar system, from exploring extreme environments on earth to research aircraft. In every case, it will be an opportunity to apply classroom theory to real-world problems -- making science relevant, exciting and fun. The program also affords students with the opportunity to explore themselves and consider their futures. At the same time, NASA project leaders capture the benefits of curious minds and eager hands of these students. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that the nation will reap the benefit of a larger and better trained cadre of scientists and engineers for the future. The program is a joint effort of the NASA Ames Center and California Space Grant. Some 600 Education Associates have participated in the program working with over 250 sponsors and untold numbers of other NASA personnel. The EAs come from 119 different colleges and universities from across the nation. Nearly 10% of the participants have taken jobs with NASA or NASA contractors as a direct result of their experience. To be eligible you must be a US national or permanent alien and may be an enrolled student or a faculty member at any accredited US college or university, a postdoctoral fellow, or an active K-12 teacher. Education Associate Appointment for a minimum of 2 months and a maximum of 12 months. The program operates year round and appointments can start and stop at any time during the year. To apply - add your application to the pool of applicants online today.

Lloyd V. Berkner Space Policy Internships

The goal of the program is to provide promising undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to work in the area of civil space research policy in the Nation's capital, under the aegis of the Space Studies Board. The Lloyd V. Berkner Space Policy Internships are offered twice annually. Eligibility:

  • Be a registered student at a U.S. university or college;
  • Completed his/her junior year, majoring in physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, or geology (other areas considered on a case-by-case basis);
  • Have long-term career goals in space science research, applications, or policy;
  • Possess good written and verbal communications skills and a good knowledge of his/her particular area of study;
  • Be capable of responding to general guidance and working independently;
  • Be familiar with the internet, world-wide web and basic research techniques; and
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Word and HTML is highly desirable, but not essential.

Application deadline for summer 2009: February 2, 2009.

National Space Society (NSS) Internships

Be a part of the NSS team helping to further the cause of human space exploration and habitation. The NSS is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization with more than 22,000 members that promotes space exploration and development. NSS activities include publishing an award-winning bimonthly magazine (Ad Astra) and working to educate Congress and the public on the importance of space activities. Volunteer positions only, minimum 8-week positions. Applications for summer appointments are accepted between January 15th and March 15th each year, announcements made by April 1st. Eligibility:

  • Open to students who have completed at least one year of of an undergraduate program. 
  • Interns must maintain their student status during the award period.
  • Eligibility is not limited to a particular major, but the program is designed to enhance science, journalism, political science, or communications and public affairs majors.
  • An interest in space is strongly desired.
  • Interns must have the ability to speak and write well in English.
  • Interns should be able to use competently Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Internet.
  • Applicants are expected to have grade point averages of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

NASA History Division Internship Opportunity

The NASA History Division sponsors internships for undergraduate and graduate students year-round. Our internships are quite substantive and are opportunities for students to learn and contribute significantly.
In terms of the qualifications of the prospective intern, we primarily want an enthusiastic person who is a quick learner. Detailed prior knowledge of the aeronautics and space fields is not necessary, but a keen interest and some basic familiarity with these topics is needed. Since we deal with the historical aspects of science and technology policy, strong research, writing, and editing skills are key. Thus, social science majors who are interested in natural science might be best, although we would be glad to talk to any interested student. In addition, we would like to have someone who is facile with computers, especially html formatting.
The deadline for applications is February 25, 2009.

International Symposium for Personal and Commercial Spaceflight Summer Internships

The ISPCS summer internships are designed to give students real-world experience in the growing personal and commercial spaceflight industry.  Students are placed with top players from business and government to participate on the ground floor of what may become the foundational enterprise of the 21st Century!  Internships are available across the United States including New Mexico, Colorado, and Washington D.C. in fields as diverse as engineering, business management, graphic design, and public policy!
Students will be given a $5000 stipend for a 10 week internship which will take place during the student’s summer 2008 academic term.  At the end of the internship, students write a one page report on their experiences.  The internships are funded by the International Symposium for Personal and Commercial Spaceflight.
Internships are open to graduate and undergraduate students.  Internships are open to all majors unless specifically stated by the internship opportunity listed.  Applications are made through New Mexico Space Grant - they will accept applications until the internships are filled.  New internships are expected to appear regularly, so check back often!

Industry Internships

    Firehole Technologies ESMD Space Grant Internship Positions

    Firehole Technologies (located in Laramie, WY) provides innovative software and analytical services for the computer-aided design and analysis of advanced composite materials and structures.  They also partner with universities, private enterprises and government entities to develop next-generation, best-of-breed computational technologies for composites analysis.  Firehole’s customers include the United States Air Force Research Labs, The Office of Naval Research, the Missile Defense Agency as well as private defense contractors. Check back for details on Internship positions and application instructions.

    Ball Aerospace Summer Internship Program

    Ball Aerospace is a NASA contractor located in Boulder, CO. Internships are available in a variety of technical disciplines, as well as in public affairs, human resources, and accounting. The program lasts 10 core weeks and can be lengthened based upon the needs of the intern and the department. At the end of the session, students participate in sharing their knowledge by presenting their completed project to managers, co-workers, and other students. Throughout the summer, management takes the opportunity to meet with the interns; topics of these meetings, vary depending upon the interests of the students. There are also occasions to tour our facilities in Boulder, Broomfield, Westminster, and Golden. In addition to practical experience, Ball Aerospace provides interns with a competitive salary, access to state-of-the-art equipment, training, company product discounts, relocation reimbursement, housing assistance, and possible future employment.

    Lockheed Martin

    Internship positions for engineering and business majors at locations around the country (including location in Denver, CO). Interns are given real, hands-on work assignments on projects related to their majors and to the needs of Lockheed Martin. Positions are available for freshman through senior classifications. (Many positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance.)




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