Navigating NASA Internships: A Guide to Housing and Opportunities

NASA internships offer unparalleled opportunities for students to contribute to space exploration and scientific advancement. These internships enhance and increase the capability, diversity and size of the nation’s future STEM workforce. These coveted positions provide hands-on experience, allowing interns to work alongside industry professionals and potentially launch a career in aerospace, STEM, or a related field. However, navigating the application process and securing suitable housing can be daunting. This article will guide you through the process, focusing on housing options and the diverse range of internship opportunities available.

NASA Internship Programs: An Overview

NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) is instrumental in bridging the gap between academic aspirations and real-world experience. It offers a wide array of internship opportunities for high school students across all NASA centers. These internships are designed to provide authentic, hands-on experiences in various STEM fields related to NASA's missions. Opportunities, or internship projects, vary at each center and for each session. You will be able to view the available opportunities for the specified session and centers. You must complete an application for each opportunity to be considered.

High School Opportunities

NASA offers several high school internships that offer students extraordinary opportunities to work alongside industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and potentially launch a career in aerospace, STEM, or a related field.

STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES)

Not every NASA internship looks to the heavens. Some, like the STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) internship, conduct their research a little closer to home. The competitive SEES internship is a collaboration between NASA and the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Space Research. This program provides selected students with exposure to Earth and space research, helping them better understand climate sciences.

To be eligible for SEES, applicants must be:

Read also: A Look at NASA Intern Compensation

Current high school sophomore or junior
At least 16 years old by the program start date
Have a strong academic record (particularly in math and science)
Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in STEM

The SEES program typically lasts approximately 2 weeks during the summer for the on-site portion of the internship. Online modules will be made available in advance of the in-person portion, and there’s approximately one month of project-specific online work with project mentors before the on-site portion. The location for the on-site portion is the University of Texas at Austin campus (although there are some virtual projects). Program participation is free. Housing, meals, and local transportation (to/from the airport) will be provided for those selected.

Goddard Institute for Space Studies' Climate Change Research Initiative

Another amazing opportunity that allows high school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in climate change research is the Goddard Institute for Space Studies' Climate Change Research Initiative. Here, students partner with interdisciplinary teams of NASA scientists and engineers on climate change-related projects.

High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)

If a summer-long opportunity leaves you wanting more, then the yearlong High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program might be just what you’re looking for. The program kicks off in the fall with a five-month online journey through space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics. Students who stand out will earn an invite to Moonshot-a five-day virtual summer experience where they’ll be mentored by actual NASA scientists and engineers.

NASA DEVELOP

Students wanting a broader exposure to using their STEM skills to solve real-world problems might want to explore NASA DEVELOP. This is a national program that brings together students to work on interdisciplinary research projects, applying NASA Earth observations to environmental and community concerns focused on nine thematic areas: Agriculture, Climate, Disasters, Ecological Conservation, Energy, Health & Air Quality, Urban Development, Water Resources, and Wildland Fires. While this program is primarily aimed at undergraduate and graduate students, motivated high school students can also participate.

To be eligible for NASA DEVELOP, applicants must be:

Read also: Interning at NASA JPL

At least 18 years of age
Have a strong academic record
Have an interest in service to community, Earth science, remote sensing, or related fields
Be a citizen or permanent resident
Rising high school juniors and seniors
Have a computer with stable internet connection
Have taken at least one high school biology course
Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0

The DEVELOP program lasts for 10 weeks. The spring term begins in late January, the summer term begins in early June, and the fall term begins in mid-September. Locations include NASA centers, regional locations, and virtual opportunities. The time commitment for high school students is 20-29 hours per week. Participants are responsible for their own housing, living expenses, and transportation to and from their DEVELOP office.

Aviation Concept Design Experience

Have a need for speed and flying high? The Aviation Concept Design Experience offers high school students the chance to work with NASA engineers on conceptual designs for future aircraft and aviation systems. Students learn about aeronautics principles and design methodologies and use them to propose solutions to “wicked” problems.

To be eligible for the Aviation Concept Design Experience, applicants must be:

A citizen
A current high school student in grade 10 or 11 at time of application
Have a strong academic record, particularly in math and science
Have an interest in aeronautics, engineering, or design

The Aviation Concept Design Experience is an 8-week summer program.

Housing Options for NASA Interns

Interns are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. This includes locating their own housing options and paying for their housing. Because our current application system is designed to meet the needs of many STEM engagement opportunities it requires this question be answered before you can move to the next page.

Read also: Your Guide to NASA Internships

Securing suitable housing is a crucial aspect of preparing for a NASA internship. While NASA internships generally do not provide housing or transportation, there are several avenues interns can explore. Some programs may offer local transportation, housing stipends, or recommendations for accommodations, especially for residential programs. Here's a breakdown of potential options:

On-Site Housing

The NEL is the onsite housing that most of our Interns take advantage of during their time at ARC. Rooms are reserved on a first come, first served basis so make sure you make arrangements ASAP.

NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) Housing Options

For interns at the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), the NEL (Nasa Exchange Lodge) is the onsite housing that most interns take advantage of during their time at ARC. Rooms are reserved on a first come, first served basis so make sure you make arrangements ASAP.

Off-Site Housing

Airbnb

Airbnb is a great resource for those of you that are more comfortable in a house or apartment offsite. Groups of students can rent houses and apartments together making rent more affordable.

Craigslist

Craigslist is also an option for temporarily renting rooms. The closest cities to search for rooms would be Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Santa Clara.

Hotels

If you are more comfortable in a hotel setting, there are a handful of hotels that you can take advantage of in the area.

Considerations for Choosing Housing

Budget: Determine your budget for housing and factor in utilities, transportation, and other living expenses.
Location: Consider the proximity of the housing to the NASA center or internship location, as well as access to public transportation, grocery stores, and other amenities.
Roommates: Explore the possibility of sharing housing with other interns to reduce costs and foster a sense of community.
Lease Terms: Carefully review the lease agreement before signing, paying attention to the duration of the lease, rent payment schedule, and any restrictions or penalties.

Houston, Texas: Johnson Space Center (JSC) Considerations

For those interning at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas, there are some specific factors to consider:

Climate: Houston gets humid and gross in the summers. Average temperatures are 100+ during the day and 80-85 at night. During the fall and spring semesters, the cold end is pleasant in the 70-75 range for highs and 50s for lows.
Transportation: Houston is a 100% un-walkable an un-bike-able city, especially in the summer.
Intern Community: JSC has arguably the most vibrant intern scene out of all the NASA centers. Every semester, JSC interns have a specific Slack channel used to stay in communication. Upon acceptance of an internship offer, the JSC Internship Coordinators will directly invite you to join the Slack server.
Airports: There are two airports in the Houston area. William P. Hobby (HOU) is closest to JSC, about a 20 minute drive up I-45. George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is farther away, about 50 minutes from JSC and on the northside of downtown Houston.

Application Tips and Requirements

Getting a NASA internship as a high school student is a big deal. And getting a NASA internship? Well, they’re some of the most competitive and meaningful opportunities out there for a high school student who has big, bold STEM dreams.

Besides giving you the experience that just might help you become a literal rocket scientist, these programs can help you build your STEM skills, refine your collaboration and leadership skills, and let you build community with mentors who are doing world-changing work. If an internship like this sounds like it’s right up your alley, then now is the perfect time to start researching and prepping. Focus on strengthening your academic record in STEM subjects, and pursue related extracurricular activities to make your application competitive.

Here are some general requirements and tips for applying to NASA high school internships:

GPA: Most NASA internships require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though competitive applicants typically have higher GPAs, especially in STEM subjects.
Citizenship: Many programs require U.S. citizenship. Some programs may accept permanent residents, but opportunities for international students at the high school level are extremely limited.
Letters of Recommendation: The Office of STEM Engagement is not requiring a letter of recommendation.
Academic Credit: Some programs offer academic credit or can be coordinated with your high school for credit. Discuss this possibility with your school counselor before beginning the internship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are NASA high school internships paid?
- A: Some NASA high school internships offer stipends, while others are unpaid volunteer positions.
Q: Can I receive academic credit for NASA internships?
- A: Some programs offer academic credit or can be coordinated with your high school for credit. Discuss this possibility with your school counselor before beginning the internship.
Q: How competitive are NASA high school internships?
- A: NASA internships are highly competitive, with acceptance rates often below 10%.

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