Landing a Stellar Experience: Your Guide to NASA Ames Internships

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) offers various internship programs designed to support undergraduate research and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. These internships provide unique, hands-on experiences, integrating participants with career professionals in mentor-directed, real-time world task completion. NASA Ames Research Center, located in Moffett Field, California, is a key location for these opportunities, offering a range of programs for students with diverse interests and skill sets.

Navigating the Application Process

Most NASA internships utilize a central application site called the One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI). This platform allows students to search for opportunities based on location, internship dates, major, and keywords. After registering, students complete a single application, and the NASA Education community determines eligibility for various internship programs based on the provided information.

It's important to note that OSSI doesn't encompass all NASA student internships. If you are particularly interested in working at NASA Ames, it is crucial to check the center's education webpage for specific internship opportunities and application instructions. Some positions may require direct application through OSSI, while others may have alternative application processes.

Eligibility Requirements: Are You Ready for Liftoff?

To be eligible for NASA internships through OSSI, applicants must meet certain criteria. A key requirement is U.S. citizenship, either by birth or naturalization. International students typically are not eligible for NASA student opportunities available through OSSI.

Age and Academic Standing

Pre-college applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the time of application and currently be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior. High school seniors are considered freshmen when applying for internships. Applicants should be enrolled in a college or university with plans on attending full-time.

Read also: A Look at NASA Intern Compensation

Academic Performance

A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0 is generally required. However, competitive applicants often have higher GPAs, especially in STEM subjects.

Types of Internships at NASA Ames

NASA Ames offers a diverse range of internships, catering to students with varied interests and academic backgrounds. These internships can be full-time or part-time and conducted at a NASA facility, contractor facility, or other locations where activities are ongoing to advance NASA's missions.

Research and Operational Experiences

Many internships focus on scientific or engineering research, development, and operations activities. These opportunities allow students to engage in real-world projects, working alongside NASA scientists and engineers.

Non-Technical Opportunities

It's a common misconception that NASA only offers engineering internships. In reality, NASA needs employees with a variety of knowledge and skills. Non-engineering interns may support business and program management work, including procurement, budgeting, accounting, information technology, and security.

Specific Programs at NASA Ames

Applied Sciences' DEVELOP Program: This program, through SSAI, sponsors paid internships where graduates, undergraduates, and recent graduates work on Earth science research projects that extend research results to local communities.

Read also: Interning at NASA JPL
University Affiliate Research Center (UARC): NASA Ames partners with UCSC to offer an additional opportunity for undergraduate research through the UARC, which sponsors the Systems Teaching Institute.
Summer High School Intern Program (SHARP): This challenging ten-week summer program is hosted by NASA's Ames Research Center in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. The primary goal of the program is to train the next generation of scientists and engineers, enabling NASA to meet future research and development challenges in the space life sciences. In this rigorous program, students work closely with renowned NASA scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research, benefitting from the concentration of bioscience expertise at Ames. Participants in the program receive a stipend and may be eligible to attend a scientific conference to formally present their research.

High School Internship 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) Internship: This competitive internship is a collaboration between NASA and the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Space Research. Selected students gain exposure to Earth and space research, helping them better understand climate sciences. The program includes online modules, project-specific online work with mentors, and an on-site portion at the University of Texas at Austin campus. Housing, meals, and local transportation are provided for those selected.
Goddard Institute for Space Studies' Climate Change Research Initiative: Students partner with interdisciplinary teams of NASA scientists and engineers on climate change-related projects.

Read also: Your Guide to NASA Internships
High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) Program: This yearlong 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: This national program 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 primarily aimed at undergraduate and graduate students, motivated high school students can also participate.
Aviation Concept Design Experience: High school students work with NASA engineers on conceptual designs for future aircraft and aviation systems, learning about aeronautics principles and design methodologies.

Making Your Application Stand Out

NASA internships are highly competitive, with acceptance rates often below 10%. To increase your chances of success, focus on the following:

Academic Excellence: Strengthen your academic record, particularly in STEM subjects.
Extracurricular Activities: Pursue related extracurricular activities to demonstrate your interest and passion.
Early Application: The Neil A. Mary W. MSGC strongly encourages you to apply early.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize any skills or experiences that align with the specific internship requirements.

Funding and Logistics

Some NASA internships are funded within the centers themselves, while others require outside funding through Space Grant Consortia. Students who are funded at NASA Centers through MSGC will need to provide a report within 30 days after the end of their internship and will be expected to make a presentation about their experience - either a poster or a talk - at the MSGC Fall Conference following their internship.

Most NASA high school internships do not provide housing or transportation. Some programs may offer local transportation, housing stipends, or recommendations for accommodations, especially for residential programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are NASA high school internships paid? Some NASA high school internships offer stipends, while others are unpaid volunteer positions.
Can I receive academic credit for NASA internships? 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.

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