NASA JPL Internship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), managed by NASA and operated by Caltech, stands as a pivotal research and development center. It offers a spectrum of internships crafted to ignite and nurture future innovators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These internships are more than just academic exercises; they are gateways to future STEM careers, offering personal growth and inspiration.

The JPL Internship Experience

As a JPL intern, you'll play a hands-on role in real missions that are expanding our understanding of Earth, the solar system, and beyond. These internships furnish students with invaluable opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects related to space exploration, robotics, artificial intelligence, and Earth sciences. By contributing to real-world missions, such as exploring Mars with rovers, observing distant galaxies, and monitoring Earth’s climate, interns gain valuable insights. These projects enable participants to collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and technologists, refining their skills while addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. For example, students might analyze data from the Perseverance rover, design autonomous systems, or develop algorithms for spacecraft navigation.

"I feel like it's the coolest thing that you could ever do … At NASA, we explore the extraordinary every day and our work is more than just a profession-it’s a lifelong pursuit and a passion."

Eligibility and Application

Eligibility requirements for JPL internships are program-specific. High school students typically require a strong academic foundation in STEM subjects. College students should be enrolled in an accredited institution, focusing on related fields such as aerospace engineering, physics, or computer science. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is generally expected. Interns should exhibit a passion for exploration and a strong desire to learn.

Applications for summer internships are typically due in March, so it's recommended to submit your application no later than November or December of the previous year. Opportunities are available year-round. U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident status is required for most programs.

Read also: A Look at NASA Intern Compensation

Types of Internships Offered

NASA’s internship programs offer training, mentoring, and career development opportunities while working with the best science, engineering, financial, information technology and business minds in the world. They offer several different internship experiences:

NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship: This paid opportunity allows high school and college-level students to contribute to agency projects under the guidance of a NASA mentor. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement provides, annually, more than 2,000 students the opportunity to impact the agency’s mission through a hands-on internship. Even if you are not a science or engineering student, you can get an internship at NASA! OSTEM internships offer students an opportunity to gain practical work experience while working side-by-side with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and individuals from many other professions. Internships may be full time or part time on a NASA center or facility.
International Internship: The NASA International Internship (NASA I²) seeks to better prepare students to work in a global environment and on multicultural international missions. NASA and the nation benefit from a cadre of future scientists, engineers and other professionals who become familiar and experienced in multinational environments. Internship sessions are arranged in three sessions during the calendar year (spring, summer and fall).
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Internship: An internship at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a chance to do the impossible. This internship put you right in the action with the scientists and engineers who’ve helped make JPL the leading center for robotic exploration of the solar system. These programs are as varied as the places that are explored, with opportunities across the STEM spectrum for undergrads, graduate students, postdocs and faculty.
Pathways Internship: NASA’s work-study (co-op) program is a starting point to a career at NASA. Pathways interns gain valuable work experience and professional development. Paid federal civil servant opportunities with benefits are offered across most NASA facilities. Completion of the Pathways program may lead to a NASA job offer.

Please review each internship's eligibility guidelines, application details, and deadlines closely as they are different for each specific program.

How to Prepare for a JPL Internship

Focus on STEM and Language Arts Skills: To prepare for a future internship or career in STEM, students should focus on developing their foundational STEM and language arts skills.
Build a Strong Network: Get involved in campus STEM clubs, communities, and volunteer opportunities to connect with peers and professionals in your field. Networking is crucial in securing internships. By joining campus STEM clubs and communities, participating in NASA challenges and events, and volunteering, you can gain valuable career experience and connect with peers and professionals in the field.
Develop Coding Skills: Learn coding languages like Python, MATLAB, and C, as these are highly sought after by JPL mentors.
Showcase Your Passion: Demonstrate your enthusiasm for space exploration or the specific field you're interested in through your resume, cover letter, and interviews. JPL mentors value applicants with problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrating your passion for learning and ability to overcome obstacles can make you stand out in the competitive internship selection process. Providing examples of your work, such as a GitHub repository or online portfolio, can significantly impact your chances of securing a JPL internship.
Gain Hands-On Experience: Participate in engineering projects, science experiments, or coding challenges to gain practical experience in your field.
Be Persistent: If you don't receive an internship offer on your first try, don't be discouraged.
Explore JPL Resources: NASA JPL offers a wealth of educational resources for teachers, students, and families, including engineering projects, science experiments, math challenges, and coding activities.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest news, events, and opportunities at JPL by following the JPL news, social media channels, and virtual and in-person events.

What to Expect During Your Internship

As a JPL intern, you will be paired with a mentor and work on a specific research or mission project. JPL offers numerous opportunities for interns to network, attend lectures, participate in tours, and receive career advice.

Students and faculty participating in JPL Education Office programs are expected to meet certain requirements as defined by their program coordinator and mentor. These requirements are intended to help students and faculty develop good communication skills, outlines, progress toward their research goals, and synthesize the work they've done during their internship or fellowship. Requirements may include the following: The purpose of these guidelines is not to provide a template that you must follow, but rather to suggest a structure for your paper and to encourage you to consider the content, style and audience. If your mentor suggests a different approach, you should follow their advice. Also keep in mind that what you submit should reflect the conversations you have had with your mentor and the guidance you have received from him or her, but it must be your product. Requirements vary by program. Check with your program coordinator or mentor about requirements for your program.

Housing and Transportation

Interns are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. This includes locating their own housing options and paying for their housing. Your center location and housing options will determine if you need a car. At most centers, unless you find housing within walking distance, you will most likely need a car.

Read also: Your Guide to NASA Internships

Opportunities Beyond STEM

A common misconception is that NASA only offers engineering internships. Please know that we have opportunities for students who are not majoring in engineering. NASA needs employees with a variety of knowledge and skills. At NASA, our engineers, mathematicians, scientists, accountants, writers, IT specialists, project managers, program analysts, and many other professionals work together to break barriers to achieve the seemingly impossible. Interns may support a variety of business and program management work, including human resources, administration and program analysis, accounting and budget, communication and public relations, procurement and contracts, information technology, security, and education. In addition to the Education Office internships, JPL also provides internship opportunities through its University Recruiting team. These positions are open to both STEM and non-STEM majors, including business, communications, and finance students.

Success Stories: JPL Internship Alumni

Aaron Yazzie: A former intern at JPL, Aaron Yazzie inspires a new generation of Diné scientists and engineers, proving their voices have an essential place in the story of the cosmos.
Clare Luckey: Former intern Clare Luckey was selected as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30. Her hard work and determination has landed her at the forefront of space exploration as she helps plan how the first astronauts will land on Mars.
Vivian Li: Remotely operating NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover from millions of miles away is no easy task.

The Artemis Generation

The Artemis Generation begins now, with us.

Read also: Your NASA Internship Guide

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