A Guide to Scoring a High School Internship at NASA
Introduction
Are you interested in learning more about space or working for some of the smartest scientists on the planet? Securing an internship at NASA is the dream of many high schoolers and it can lead to numerous opportunities in the scientific field. If you are a high school student interested in the cosmos, and the world of aerospace, be sure to read ahead for the most in-depth guide to interning at NASA.
Understanding NASA Internship Programs
Many people think of the prestige when introduced to NASA Internship Programs. Yes, prestige can be a motivating factor for a lot of people 一 but the NASA Internship is more than that.
If selected, NASA offers an immersive experience where high schoolers just like you, get exposure to the various projects at the National American Space Administration. The process to apply for such an exciting opportunity can be both fun and daunting. Understanding the requirements, deadlines, eligibility, is a crucial part of the application process that we hope to cover in this blog post.
Eligibility
NASA high school internships are only offered to citizens of the United States of America.
But fear not, there are internships for international applicants as well. There is a certain criteria that you have to fit. Please visit NASA's Intern and Fellow Opportunities for International Students for more information.
Let’s return our focus to eligibility for the high schoolers internship program.
Must be a U.S. citizen
At least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Must be at least 16 years old at the time of application
These are the only requirements for the NASA high school internship program but do keep in mind that this is an extremely competitive program.
Enrollment is not limited to high school students 一 undergraduate and graduate students as well as educators are also welcome to be part of the OSTEM program at NASA.
Internship Information
You will get paid for the duration of the internship, but the amount will depend on the length of the session as well as academic level (high school, undergraduate, graduate, or educator.)
High Schoolers in the Summer Internship Program are paid $2400 as per the NASA FAQ.
The three Internship sessions are :
Mid January to Early May (16 weeks)
Deadline for the application: November
Late May to Early June (10 weeks)
Deadline for the application: March 24, 2024
Late August/September to Mid December (16 weeks)
Deadline for the application: July
In order to apply, you will need an unofficial transcript from your center of education (school, college, university) and a resume. The NASA Internship application also requires you to provide a letter of recommendation. Most applicants submit 2-3 letters as part of the application.
Housing is NOT PROVIDED as part of the internship. If selected, you will have to find a suitable place of housing.
If you are planning on applying to a spring/fall internship session 一 Beware. You are responsible for balancing the internship as well as your internship. If you are set on applying for one of these sessions, there are a couple of solutions:
Take easier academic courses
Enroll in online classes rather than in-person school
What can you work on as a NASA Intern?
NASA targets real-world experiences and situations in various topics such as aeronautics and space exploration.
Different NASA facilities focus on different areas.
For example, the Glenn Research Center focuses on space exploration and develops spacecraft flight systems. On the other hand, the Goddard Space Flight Center main focus is the Sun, the Earth and the solar system.
Application Process for High Schoolers
Applicants choose the session (fall, spring or summer) they want to apply for.
Fill out the application form
Attach necessary documents (resume, transcript)
You will be informed of your application process two weeks after the deadline of your selected session.
If you are accepted 一 Congratulations!
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You will head to the next step: phone or personal interviews! Almost two months later, announcements about the results will be made.
Possible Projects
Potential projects that you could work on are:
Record a satellite’s signals
Test and work on robot compartments
Study the antenna pattern of cells
Benefits of the Internship Program
An internship from NASA can help you build your resume and provide you with invaluable networks, academics and work experience.
Beyond all of these, you also get to work with some of the most knowledgeable professionals who will serve as YOUR mentor! Moreover, you get hands-on experience, a huge contrast to the traditional classroom method we’ve been conditioned to.
The primary benefit of the program far exceeds its duration. It contributes to scientific advancement by inspiring the future of the world 一 high schoolers. Collaborative and research based projects condition the individual to problem solve and develop critical thinking skills.
Ways to strengthen your application:
Gain Experience : NASA does not require you to have work experience before applying but most applicants have already completed a few internships beforehand. If you cannot be an intern as of now, you can always hold a part-time job (even if it’s not part of your academic/career focus.)
Do Research : When applying to the program, keep in mind that thousands of people are also applying at the same time as you. Take the time to research about projects that you might be interested in. Furthermore, if you are selected for the interview, showing that you care about the program and have taken the time to study the program might give you a boost as a candidate.
Conclusion
Securing a high school internship at NASA is ambitious and daunting but also achievable. Passion and dedication are the very qualities that NASA looks for in an intern. As you go through the application process, remember that you are a unique individual with your own valuable skills. Your application should reflect YOU as a person, not just your academic achievements.
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