Launch Your Career with NASA: A Guide to Internship Programs
NASA offers a multitude of internship programs designed to engage students and professionals in various STEM and non-STEM fields. These programs provide invaluable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to contribute to real-world projects that advance NASA's mission. This article explores several NASA internship programs, including NASA DEVELOP and EarthRISE Developers Academy, highlighting their unique features, eligibility requirements, and benefits.
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers a wide array of internship opportunities for students across all NASA centers. These internships are designed to provide authentic, hands-on experiences in various STEM fields related to NASA's missions. 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.
NASA DEVELOP National Program
NASA DEVELOP is an applied science, capacity-building program in NASA’s Earth Science Division. This national program brings together students and professionals to work on interdisciplinary research projects, applying NASA Earth observations to environmental and community concerns. DEVELOP addresses environmental and public policy issues through interdisciplinary research projects that apply the lens of NASA Earth observations to community concerns around the globe.
Program Overview
In collaboration with partner organizations, NASA DEVELOP conducts 10-week feasibility studies that address local, national, and international environmental and policy concerns using data collected by NASA’s Earth-observing fleet of satellites. NASA DEVELOP projects focus on helping local, state, and national communities address their environmental concerns while utilizing NASA’s Earth observing fleet of satellites. As a capacity-building program, DEVELOP offers program participants opportunities to learn about Earth science and develop research, collaboration, and science communication skills.
Project Focus Areas
DEVELOP projects are focused on nine thematic areas:
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- Agriculture
- Climate
- Disasters
- Ecological Conservation
- Energy
- Health & Air Quality
- Urban Development
- Water Resources
- Wildland Fires
Eligibility and Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- Strong academic record
- Interest in service to community, Earth science, remote sensing, or related fields
- Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
- For virtual locations, all accepted participants must work remotely from within the United States.
Program Details
- Duration: 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: NASA centers, regional locations, and virtual opportunities. For the Fall 2025 term, NASA DEVELOP will operate at ten locations across the country at NASA centers and other regional locations.
- Time Commitment: 20-29 hours per week. Days of the week are flexible, but applicants should be able to commit to 20 - 29 hours of work per week during the term.
- Cost: Participants are responsible for their own housing, living expenses, and transportation to and from their DEVELOP office.
Fall 2025 Project Example
At the Goddard Space Flight Center node in Greenbelt, Maryland, one project for the Fall 2025 term is:
- Maryland Agriculture: Quantifying Land Conversion and Economic Impacts of Solar Farms on Agricultural Land in Maryland. This in-person project team will work with NASA Acres and the Maryland Department of Agricultural to investigate how NASA Earth Observations can be used to quantify the amount of agricultural land that has been converted to solar farms, and the economic impact of these conversions. Participant responsibilities will include literature review, data processing and analysis, and producing deliverables, such as a technical report, presentation, and poster.
Previous GIS or remote sensing knowledge, while beneficial, is not required for acceptance. This is a multi-disciplinary opportunity for all those interested in Earth science, and they encourage those in the social sciences, general science, engineering, computer science, etc. to apply.
Informational Webinars
There will be two informational webinars about DEVELOP on Wednesday, May 21, at 1:00 pm ET and Friday, June 6, at 4:00 pm ET to learn more about this opportunity.
EarthRISE Developers Academy
EarthRISE Developers Academy builds the next generation of science and technology leaders through an immersive, experiential model applying NASA Earth observations to real-world challenges. Building upon Langley Research Center’s 25+ years of workforce development expertise, EarthRISE Developers Academy engages application developers to create innovative applied science solutions, utilizing NASA mission data, that boost efficiency and resilience for key partners and support the demands of an actively growing geospatial workforce. Through collaborative projects, professional development, and state, local, tribal, territorial, and private partnerships, the Academy equips participants with the skills to accelerate innovation and bridge Earth science with the future of space exploration.
Program Overview
The Academy is an interdisciplinary activity, so we accept participants with experience in a variety of fields, as well as from different phases of their career. This includes currently enrolled students, recent graduates, early career professionals, and transitioning career professionals. Applicants with demonstrated skills in Earth, environmental, and/or planetary sciences, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and/or computer science are encouraged to apply.
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If selected, you will engage with partner organizations to strengthen their decision-making through the exposure of Earth observations for enhanced management practices and workflows. As application developers, you will conduct a literature review on the scope, methodologies, and types of NASA remote sensing data applicable to your project, as well as use GIS and remote-sensing data to create application solutions for the project partners. By the project’s end, your team will create a presentation, technical report, and end products, and you will build the skills needed to explain project results to a variety of audiences. EarthRISE Developers Academy also offers personal development activities, like personality typing, team building, and networking with scientists and partner organizations.
Interdisciplinary teams, ranging in size from four to five participants, conduct each project. The team works under the guidance of a Project Coordinator, science advisors and mentors, and the Langley EarthRISE Office.
EarthRISE Developers Academy is a unique opportunity, and each participant benefits differently. Generally, you can expect to enhance your personal and professional development by improving skills in communication, presentation, research, collaboration, technical capabilities, and networking. Participants apply through a competitive application process and those selected conduct 10-week research projects in interdisciplinary teams of 4-5 people. They work closely with EarthRISE Developers Academy science advisors and mentors to apply Earth observations to address real-world problems. Through this process, participants build both technical and professional skills.
Summer 2026 Application
The summer 2026 application window will close on Friday, March 6th 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Late applications will not be accepted. It is important to note the time and time zone for the application deadline. Applications cannot be submitted after 11:59p ET on Friday, March 6th - no exceptions!
NASA Langley Research Center (Hampton, Virginia): NASA Langley Research Center is one of the earliest aeronautics research centers of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics founded in 1915, the precursor to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Today, Langley is known for its supersonic flight programs, fabrication research and machines, and its heavy focus on scientific research through airborne and atmospheric science. The EarthRISE Developers Academy is managed on-site by the Langley EarthRISE Office.
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Tentative summer 2026 project themes include monitoring land use change to inform the conservation of prime agricultural land, quantifying urban heat hazards and drivers, atmospheric pollutants and air quality monitoring, and disasters.
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, Alabama): NASA Marshall Space Flight Center has played a key role at the agency, from the earliest space launch vehicles and scientific satellites to the groundbreaking Apollo lunar missions and today’s Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond. The Academy is co-located with the Marshall EarthRISE Project Office, housed within the National Space and Science Technology Center (NSSTC) at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The NSSTC conducts a variety of research, including Earth and atmospheric sciences, space science, and engineering. Tentative summer 2026 project themes include ecological conservation and identifying lunar regolith and surface characteristics using radar data.
Colorado State University (Fort Collins, Colorado): Academy projects at Colorado State University are hosted by the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL). NREL began in 1968 as a world leader in grassland research. Science Advisors hold a broad array of ecological research interests examined in the context of space and time through a suite of integrative spatial modeling techniques that combine field data, traditional and expert knowledge, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and spatial statistics.Tentative summer 2026 project themes include rangelands and grazing management, and post-fire aspen expansion.
A limited number of projects are available for virtual participation each term. states or Washington, D.C. is not permitted.Tentative summer 2026 project themes include invasive species distribution and monitoring, harmful algal blooms and water quality indicators to support coastal aquaculture and food security, and water scarcity and drought.
Application Guidelines
Applications must be submitted within the set application window. Applications can be started, saved as a draft, and then returned to for completion. Recommendation forms are filled out and submitted online. Please refer to the FAQ Section. For answers not available there, contact the Langley EarthRISE Office for additional information.
Logistics
The EarthRISE Developers Academy application and selection processes are managed on behalf of NASA by contractors. EarthRISE Developers Academy participants are classified as contract employees. Applicants who accept an in-person opportunity must participate onsite at their selected location. Participants are responsible for their own housing, living expenses and transportation to and from the EarthRISE Developers Academy location.
Important Application Note
NOTE: EarthRISE Developers Academy prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI- assisted tools, to include but not limited to ChatGPT, in drafting application responses.
Eligibility Requirements
- states or Washington, D.C. accredited community college, undergraduate or graduate college or university. Open to all majors.
- accredited college or university within the past two years.
- Armed Forces).
High School Internship Programs
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
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.
- Eligibility:
- Current high school sophomore or junior
- At least 16 years old by the program start date
- Strong academic record (particularly in math and science)
- Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in STEM
- Program Details:
- Duration: 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.
- Location: University of Texas at Austin campus (although there are some virtual projects).
- Cost: 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
This program allows high school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in climate change research. Here, students partner with interdisciplinary teams of NASA scientists and engineers on climate change-related projects.
High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) Program
The yearlong High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) 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.
Aviation Concept Design Experience
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.
- Eligibility:
- Current high school student in grade 10 or 11 at time of application
- Strong academic record, particularly in math and science
- Interest in aeronautics, engineering, or design
- Program Details:
- Duration: 8-week summer program.
General Information About NASA Internships
Are NASA High School Internships Paid?
Some NASA high school internships offer stipends, while others are unpaid volunteer positions. NASA DEVELOP National Program has open 10-week paid research opportunities, which are open to current students, recent graduates and transitioning/early career professionals. These positions are paid on an hourly basis, and pay rates are determined by education level and geographic location.
GPA Requirements
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.
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.
Housing and Transportation
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. 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.
Citizenship
Many NASA internships require U.S. citizenship. Some programs may accept permanent residents, but opportunities for international students at the high school level are extremely limited.
Common Misconceptions
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.
Competitiveness
NASA internships are highly competitive, with acceptance rates often below 10%.
Benefits of a NASA Internship
Getting an 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. (Oh, and they can look great on your resume or activities list for college applications, too.)
Former interns have gone on to achieve great things:
- Aaron Yazzie: A former intern at JPL, 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.
How to Prepare for a NASA Internship
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.
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