Unveiling NASA OSTEM Internships: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Opportunities

The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Paid Internship Program stands as a prestigious gateway for students eager to contribute to the agency's groundbreaking work in science, aeronautics, and space exploration. These internships offer invaluable practical experience, allowing students to collaborate with NASA professionals from diverse fields. This article delves into the requirements, opportunities, and key aspects of NASA OSTEM internships, providing a comprehensive guide for aspiring applicants.

Overview of NASA OSTEM Internships

NASA's OSTEM internships are paid positions designed to place students alongside NASA's professional workforce. This includes not only engineers and research scientists but also project managers, IT specialists, writers, program analysts, and many other experts. Through these internships, students gain hands-on experience, build their resumes, and strengthen their career readiness. A NASA internship provides a stellar opportunity to launch your future as part of America’s aerospace workforce.

NASA offers multiple internship pathways, providing opportunities for students with a wide range of interests and skill sets. Annually, NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement provides more than 2,000 students the opportunity to impact the agency’s mission through a hands-on internship.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be eligible for a NASA OSTEM internship, applicants must be enrolled at a Department of Education accredited college or university with a course of study aligned to NASA’s needs. Educators are also eligible to apply if enrolled as a student.

Academic Standing

Applicants should have a strong academic record, particularly in relevant subjects. While specific GPA requirements may vary, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is generally expected. Competitive applicants typically have higher GPAs, especially in STEM subjects.

Read also: A Look at NASA Intern Compensation

Fields of Study

A common misconception is that NASA only offers engineering internships. NASA needs employees with a variety of knowledge and skills. NASA welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, including non-STEM majors. Approximately 25% of Pathways Interns are non-STEM majors. 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. 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.

Citizenship

Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Some programs may accept permanent residents, but opportunities for international students are extremely limited. NASA does not currently offer internship opportunities for international students.

Application Process

The application process involves completing an online application form. While uploading a resume file is not part of the application process, NASA provides the opportunity to enter all experience, skills, interests, and relevant background directly into the fields provided in the application form. NASA wants to get to know you and see your story - so be clear and concise, but elaborate! Your resume is your best opportunity to demonstrate what sets you apart from other applicants.

NASA prohibits candidates from plagiarizing any portion of their employment application to include responses to questions in which you must provide a narrative response. You must create your own responses originally and not copy or adapt them from other sources. While NASA encourages you to create your narratives with great care, including correct use of grammar and style, you are prohibited from using any artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool, to include but not limited to ChatGPT. Any information you provide during the application process is subject to verification.

Application windows open two times per year-typically around February and September. Selections may occur any time after you submit your application. Many project mentors like to conduct phone or video interviews with potential candidates prior to internship selection; however, this is not a requirement.

Read also: Interning at NASA JPL

Internship Experience

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. Projects vary at every center each session. Once you complete an application, you will be able to view the available projects for the specified session. Internships may be full time or part time on a NASA center or facility.

Code of Conduct

A professional Code of Conduct is a set of rules that guides behavior. NASA is committed to providing a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment. By participating in an Office of STEM Engagement internship, you agree to abide by the Code of Conduct, based upon the ethical principles of respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, professionalism, and trust. As an intern in this new professional setting, you should aspire to conduct yourself with respect for others, exhibit the highest ethical standards, and embrace personal integrity.

Location and Housing

Interns will have the opportunity to work at one of NASA’s centers located around the country. Interns are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. This includes locating their own housing options and paying for their housing. While NASA does not provide housing, it will provide sufficient time and options to locate housing. Many centers will provide resources, such as online forums, where you can connect with other employees to find affordable housing options in the area. 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.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting pay for Pathways interns varies depending on academic hours completed, position location and grade level(s) of the position being filled. Pathways interns are promoted on the basis of academic hours completed and performance ratings. In addition to pay and valuable work experience, you may receive the same benefits as a permanent employee. This includes health, life, dental and vision insurance, retirement plan, paid leave, holidays and more.

Conversion to Full-Time Employment

A Pathways internship may be converted to a full-time permanent civil service position (or, in some circumstances, a full-time term position lasting 1-6 years) within 180 days of successful completion of degree requirements.

Read also: Your Guide to NASA Internships

Additional Opportunities

When NASA is accepting applications for Pathways opportunities, you can find them on the NASA Careers: Pathways site.

High School Internships

NASA also 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. Program examples include:

STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) internship: This competitive internship, a collaboration between NASA and the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Space Research, provides selected students with exposure to Earth and space research, helping them better understand climate sciences.
- Eligibility Requirements: 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: 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). 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: Students partner with interdisciplinary teams of NASA scientists and engineers on climate change-related projects.
High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program: 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: 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.
- Eligibility Requirements: At least 18 years of age, Strong academic record, Interest in service to community, Earth science, remote sensing, or related fields, U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- 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. Time Commitment: 20-29 hours per week for high school students. Participants are responsible for their own housing, living expenses, and transportation to and from their DEVELOP office.
Aviation Concept Design Experience: Offers high school students the chance to work with NASA engineers on conceptual designs for future aircraft and aviation systems.
- Eligibility Requirements: Rising high school juniors and seniors, Have a computer with stable internet connection, Have taken at least one high school biology course, Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
- Program Details: Duration and time commitment: 12 weeks.
Other opportunities: If you’re fascinated with STEM but your strengths are in storytelling and communication, NASA also has internships for you.

High School Internship FAQs

Q: Are NASA high school internships paid?
- A: Some NASA high school internships offer stipends, while others are unpaid volunteer positions.
Q: What are the GPA requirements for NASA internships?
- A: 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.
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: Are housing and transportation provided?
- A: 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.
Q: How competitive are NASA high school internships?
- A: NASA internships are highly competitive, with acceptance rates often below 10%.

The Value of a NASA Internship

Getting an internship as a high school or college 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 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.)

Our commonalities unite us as a team, and our differences strengthen our capabilities as an organization. For our Pathways Intern positions, we’re looking for students who are not only captivated with the NASA Vision & Mission, but who are also well-rounded with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. 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.

Preparing 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. Also, be sure to communicate proficiently in English.

Success Stories

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: A former intern 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 begins now, with us.

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