The Ultimate Guide to NASA Internships for High Schoolers

For high school students passionate about STEM, a NASA internship is a dream. These programs offer hands-on experience, the chance to work alongside top scientists and engineers, and a role in real space exploration and technology work. This guide covers the NASA internships open to high schoolers, including eligibility, application timing, and what to expect from each. Note that program details change, so confirm the current information on NASA’s site.

Why Consider a NASA Internship?

A NASA internship gives high school students the chance to:

• Gain real-world experience: work on actual NASA projects with advanced technology and research methods.
• Learn from experts: collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers who are leaders in their fields.
• Develop skills: build the technical, analytical, and communication skills essential for a STEM career.
• Boost your college applications: a NASA internship is a standout achievement on college and scholarship applications.

NASA Internship Programs for High School Students

NASA offers several programs that high school students can pursue. They vary in eligibility, deadlines, and the nature of the work. Here are the main ones.

1. NASA OSTEM Internships

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) runs internships that engage students in NASA’s missions and inspire STEM careers. These are the main route for high school interns.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old at the time of the internship, with a strong academic record (especially in STEM). Participation in STEM extracurriculars (science clubs, competitions) helps.
• Dates: internships are offered in summer, fall, and spring sessions, with application deadlines well in advance of each.
• Application: apply through the NASA internships portal (intern.nasa.gov), submitting a resume, transcripts, and a personal statement on your interest in NASA and STEM.
• What to expect: interns work on real NASA projects under a mentor, from software development to data analysis, engineering design, and scientific research.

2. Pathways Intern Employment Program

The federal Pathways Intern Employment Program is unique because it offers a route to potential full-time employment with NASA after graduation. It’s geared toward students enrolled in a degree or certificate program, so it’s most relevant to college students, though some high schoolers in technical or dual-enrollment STEM programs may qualify.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in a degree or certificate program at an accredited institution, at least 16 years old, with a minimum GPA of 2.9.
• Dates: internships run year-round, with application windows typically in the fall and spring.
• Application: apply through the USAJOBS portal, submitting transcripts, a resume, and a cover letter.
• What to expect: interns work at NASA centers across the country in fields like engineering, computer science, and physical sciences, often rotating through different projects and departments.

Looking for more internship opportunities? A free list is available here.

3. NASA SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth Science) Internship

The NASA SEES internship combines remote learning with a two-week on-site experience. It’s a collaboration between NASA, the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research, and the Texas Space Grant Consortium, with the on-site portion held at UT Austin. It’s ideal for students interested in earth and space science.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are high school juniors or seniors at the time of application, at least 16 years old, with a strong interest in earth science and a solid STEM record.
• Dates: the on-site portion is typically in the summer, with applications due in winter (around February).
• Application: apply through the SEES program’s official site, with a resume, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
• What to expect: students complete online earth-science modules, then work on a research project, often using data from NASA satellites.

How to Maximize Your Chances of Being Selected

NASA internships are competitive, but you can strengthen your application:

1. Focus on academics: strong grades, especially in STEM, matter. Take challenging courses.
2. Engage in extracurriculars: join science clubs, robotics teams, coding competitions, and other STEM activities.
3. Build a strong application: tailor your resume to your STEM experience and write a personal statement that conveys your passion for space and science.
4. Seek recommendations: ask teachers or mentors who can speak to your abilities and commitment to STEM.
5. Apply early: start well in advance so you have time to prepare your materials.

Final Thoughts

A NASA internship is more than a learning opportunity. It’s a chance to contribute to groundbreaking work. For high school students passionate about STEM, these internships offer a rare blend of education, experience, and inspiration.