NASA High School Internships: 8+ Space Exploration Options in 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why NASA High School Internships Are Out of This World
Pathways to Discovery: NASA STEM Engagement Internships
A Summer of Exploration: NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)
Engineering the Future: NASA SEES Internship
Diverse Horizons: NASA L’SPACE Academy
Coding the Cosmos: NASA GVIS Internship
Planetary Pioneers: NASA Planetary Science Summer School
Stars in the Classroom: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center Internships
Prepping for Liftoff: Tips to Apply for NASA High School Internships
1. Introduction: Why NASA High School Internships Are Out of This World
Picture this: you’re a high school student standing on the edge of limitless possibilities, working with cutting-edge scientists to explore the cosmos. That’s the reality of a NASA high school internship! These programs offer more than just a line on your resume—they ignite curiosity, foster innovation, and connect you to the vast universe of STEM careers. Whether you dream of becoming an astronaut or designing the next Mars rover, NASA internships are your gateway to the stars. Let’s dive into eight amazing opportunities that could transform your future.
2. Pathways to Discovery: NASA STEM Engagement Internships
When: Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions (application deadlines vary)
Cost: Free; stipends provided
What: These internships pair high school students with NASA professionals to work on real-world STEM projects. Participants engage in hands-on activities ranging from software development to mission planning.
Why: It’s a perfect introduction to NASA’s dynamic environment. You’ll gain technical skills and valuable mentorship while contributing to exciting space projects.
3. A Summer of Exploration: NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)
When: Applications open in the fall for summer participation
Cost: Free
What: HAS is a hybrid program combining online coursework with an immersive summer experience at a NASA center. Students collaborate to solve mission challenges and learn from NASA engineers.
Why: It’s an unparalleled chance to network, learn, and create alongside other aspiring scientists and engineers.
4. Engineering the Future: NASA SEES Internship
When: Summer
Cost: Free; stipends and housing assistance provided
What: The Science and Engineering Student Internship (SEES) allows high schoolers to work on Earth and space science research. Projects include data analysis from satellites and developing climate models.
Why: This program is ideal for those passionate about climate science and technology—plus, you’ll work with NASA scientists and university researchers.
5. Diverse Horizons: NASA L’SPACE Academy
When: Year-round (various sessions)
Cost: Free
What: L’SPACE is an online program simulating NASA mission development. Teams design theoretical missions to study asteroids, planets, and more.
Why: It’s perfect for students eager to enhance their teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills while learning the intricacies of space exploration.
6. Coding the Cosmos: NASA GVIS Internship
When: Summer
Cost: Free
What: The NASA Goddard Virtual Internship in Science (GVIS) focuses on coding and data visualization. Students work on interactive tools to analyze space data.
Why: If programming and data science are your thing, this internship lets you combine those passions with the wonders of space exploration.
7. Planetary Pioneers: NASA Planetary Science Summer School
When: Summer
Cost: Free
What: This program offers students the opportunity to design a planetary mission with NASA’s experts. You’ll dive deep into planetary science and mission planning.
Why: Aspiring planetary scientists and engineers can’t miss this hands-on, collaborative experience.
8. Stars in the Classroom: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center Internships
When: Summer
Cost: Free; stipends available
What: High school students work on aeronautics and flight research, contributing to NASA’s cutting-edge projects in aviation.
Why: It’s a rare chance to combine engineering, physics, and innovation in a real-world setting.
9. Prepping for Liftoff: Tips to Apply for NASA High School Internships
Securing a NASA high school internship requires careful preparation. Here’s how you can stand out:
Research Programs: Understand the focus and requirements of each internship to align with your interests.
Craft a Stellar Application: Highlight your passion for STEM, relevant skills, and academic achievements.
Get Strong References: Teachers and mentors who know your work ethic and enthusiasm can make your application shine.
Practice Patience: The selection process can take time, but it’s worth the wait!
NASA high school internships are more than just a foot in the door; they’re a launchpad to your future in STEM. So, what are you waiting for? The stars are calling!
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
