If you’re a high school student with an interest in astronomy, cosmology and space exploration, you should identify and apply for relevant summer internships. Such opportunities are a unique way to acquire practical skills, gain invaluable insights into the world of space exploration, and enhance your college applications. 

One of the best such opportunities is available with NASA itself. A NASA internship is not only a prestigious addition to your resume, it is a chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in science and engineering, contributing to projects that push the boundaries of our understanding and capabilities in space. This blog will go over how you can go about applying for a NASA internship and what to expect.

What are NASA’s internships all about?

NASA's internship programs are designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience offering real projects across diverse departments and crucial NASA missions to high school students across the country. These programs do not limit you to observing - you will be involved in the day-to-day on-ground work and research. You will get to actively contribute to missions and gain hands-on experience in STEM fields. 

While there are internship programs for students of all levels, including postgraduate, graduate, and undergraduate, we will be focusing on the Office of Stem Engagement or OSTEM Internships, which are specifically for high school students. The Office of STEM Engagement reflects NASA's commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. As an intern, you will learn directly from experienced mentors and NASA employees, gaining practical knowledge that goes beyond textbooks. The internships are not limited purely to STEM either – you could be developing technical skills in a research lab, learning the fundamentals of knowledge management, or even managing social media outreach programs.

Who is eligible for NASA’s internships?

NASA attempts to make its high school internships as inclusive as possible, so the eligibility criteria are fairly straightforward:

• You must have U.S. citizenship.

• You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

• You must be enrolled as a high school student.

• You must be at least 16 years old at the time of application.

How does the application process work?

A NASA internship application is not too different from a job application. You will need to apply to one or more of the available internship opportunities, assuming you fit the individual criteria for that position. There are typically three “cohorts” of internships:

1. Spring - 16-week internships from mid January to early May, for which applications close in August of the previous year.

2. Summer - 10-week internships from late May to early June-August, for which applications close in October of the previous year.

3. Fall - 16-week internships from late August / early September to mid December, for which applications close in January.

Currently, rolling decisions for Summer 2024 internships are still open and the deadline is February 2, 2024.

Beyond the basic eligibility requirements, some of the internships might have specific criteria that you need to meet. Similarly, some might require more in-depth screenings and interview processes than others. However, you’re free to apply for as many as you like and are qualified for, so don’t hold back!

How is a NASA internship structured?

As a NASA intern, you'll be immersed in an environment that's both challenging and exhilarating. Here's what you can expect:

• You will be working on real NASA projects, pertaining to their currently active research and missions.

• Many of the available internships will have you working alongside and learning directly from leading scientists and engineers.

• Many of the internships are on-site, ensuring that you will be working in state-of-the-art facilities using cutting edge technology and the latest industry standards.

• Like any job, a typical day runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. How much of it will be spent in a laboratory or a practical environment, and how much will require theoretical research and study, is entirely dependent on the specific internship position you’re in.

• Many of the internships offer a stipend, the amount of which depends on the academic level and session duration. There are a few that are volunteer-based, but either way the information will be available on the specific internship application page.

The internships themselves are in virtually every office under NASA. While you can and should bookmark this link to find, apply to, and monitor internship opportunities, here are a few notable examples of currently available projects:

• Antarctic Study with Satellite Observations - This internship focuses on the study of Antarctic clouds and blowing snow using NASA satellite observations. You will engage in big data analysis and machine learning techniques to understand the unique features of Antarctica and their impact on global climate. This is a hands-on opportunity at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland and offers a chance to contribute to significant research in earth science and climate studies.

• Communications Internship - The Communications Internship at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, offers you a chance to work on content creation and engagement as part of NASA Langley’s communications team. You will be involved in everything from content editing, research, event planning support, to database management. This opportunity is ideal if you’re interested in corporate communications, journalism, media studies, and related fields.

• Knowledge Management - NASA's Office of the Chief Engineer at Langley Research Center offers an internship in Knowledge Management. This virtual internship involves managing knowledge learned from NASA projects, including documentation of lessons, best practices, and experiences. Interns will work with engineers, scientists, and project managers to encapsulate past knowledge and incorporate it into future projects.

• Virtual Deep Learning Classification of Kepler/TESS Transit Signals - This virtual internship at Ames Research Center focuses on using deep learning technology for the classification of transit signals from the Kepler and TESS missions. You will get to work on identifying new exoplanets and improving existing classifiers using Python, scikit-learn, Keras, and TensorFlow. This is a phenomenally rewarding opportunity as you will contribute to the discovery of new exoplanets and even the chance to publish your results in prestigious journals.

• Utilize Generative AI as an Assurance Strategy - The internship at NASA's Independent Verification and Validation Facility in Fairmont, West Virginia, revolves around using generative AI as a strategy for assurance in the Gateway IV&V Project. You will be working on finding efficient and effective ways to increase the ROI of tool utilization. This in-person/virtual internship is great if you’re interested in computer science, electrical engineering, and related fields.

Is it prestigious?

NASA internships are highly prestigious, primarily due to their competitive nature and the unparalleled experience they offer. As an intern you will work on significant projects, gaining exposure and skills that are highly valued in both academic and professional spheres. The acceptance rate is low with each internship hiring a small handful of students, making it an exclusive opportunity for those who are selected. And of course, there is the prestige of working for one of if not the best space programs in the world.

Tips to submit a winning application

To enhance your chances of securing a NASA internship, consider these tips:

1. Prepare a solid “resume”: Like any job application, your resume is often the first thing recruiters see. Now in this specific case you may not need to submit a resume document, however the principle still applies - you need to be able to showcase relevant interests, experience, and skill sets to be a strong contender for the opening you’re applying for.

   
   

2. Don’t place all your eggs in one basket: Each internship position is open for a handful of applicants, and NASA themselves admit that they often go unfilled if they do not find the students who match their requirements. Apply for multiple openings according to your interest, to have a higher chance of being accepted for at least one.

   
   

3. Have your academics in order: Not only do you need a good GPA to even be eligible for the internships, the work you will be doing will often involve a solid grounding in core STEM principles. The less time your bosses have to spend bringing you up to speed, the more valuable a contributor you can be, and the more likely that you will be selected.

   
   

4. Do some mock interviews: While not every internship application requires interviewing, plenty of them do, and it’s easy to fumble in the stress of the moment if you’re not prepared. Work with a coach, a mentor or even a parent or guardian to practice interviewing for NASA. It will help you showcase your skills on the day of selection.

   Our review: should you apply?

NASA's internships are ideal for high school students passionate about STEM, eager to learn, and ready to contribute to real-world space missions. If you're looking for an experience that combines learning, innovation, and adventure, then a NASA internship might just be the perfect launchpad for your future.

Looking for an immersive internship experience?

Check out Ladder Internships!

Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!

Image Source - NASA Logo