NASA Internships & Educational Programs
NASA Internships & Educational Programs
Did you know that NASA sponsors internships for high school and college students, as well as a wide range of other educational programs for younger students? This article discusses the NASA high school internship program, plus additional ways that students of all ages can engage with NASA.
How to Connect with the NASA High School Internship Program
The gateway to NASA internships is literally called the NASA STEM Gateway (click here to view). This web portal provides a searchable database for NASA internships and educational programs.
Yes, there are SO many NASA programs that a database is required! Results can be filtered by program type and age range. For high school and younger, in the left-hand filter column be sure to check the "Pre-college STEM experience" checkbox, which includes all before-college programs. This will narrow down the display to only those opportunities (excluding college, graduate school and professional programs).
This same portal is where students can submit applications to any programs that require an application. To submit an application, a free Account must first be created. Each program has its own requirements and application process.
The deadline for high school Summer Internships is typically in February, although this can vary from year to year. If there are no high school Summer Internships currently listed in the database, it is probably because the deadline has passed, and it is before the next cycle of the program opening again. So check back often!
For an overview of the NASA Internship Program, visit the NASA Internship Program page (click here). This page includes helpful tips for applying, as well as this introductory video:
While the NASA Internship Programs webpage focuses on their programs for college students, NASA typical does offer a smaller number of high school internships each year (usually for 11th and 12th graders). Again, this can vary from year to year.
To hear the perspective of a previous NASA high school intern, watch the video below:
Any NASA internship position will be highly competitive, and it is recommended to strengthen an application by including the following:
Participate in NASA educational events and challenges (see below for opportunities)
Pursue extracurricular educational activities & courses that deepen knowledge and skillset beyond standard school curriculum
Participate in science, invention and engineering fairs / competitions
Be sure to document all of the above by keeping copies of all project work, course certificates and awards. Applicants may be asked to provide this backing documentation.
Letters of reference may be requested and can be gathered during projects or extracurricular activities/courses
Remember: Don't be intimidated! Get excited and have fun exploring your interests!
The good news is that there are SO many NASA-sponsored Educational Programs for K-12 students that you can access through the Gateway. These include online live presentations with NASA staff, in-person workshops and in-depth NASA Challenges.
Below are additional details about NASA learning resources for different grade levels:
NASA Learning Resources for Grade 9-12 (click here)
NASA Learning Resources for Grades 5-8 (click here)
NASA Learning Resources for Grades K-4 (click here)
In addition, NASA now has it's own video streaming service called NASA+, which includes all the documentaries made about NASA, along with livestreaming events with NASA staff.
Through these exciting programs, NASA continues to inspire and support the next generation!
To explore Quantum Academy's Aeronautics, Astronomy and NASA-related courses, click here.
