Exploring the Universe: NASA’s High School Internship Program
What is NASA’s High School Internship Program?
NASA’s High School Internship Program is an extraordinary opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in the world of space exploration and innovation. This program opens doors to the exhilarating world of scientific discovery, offering hands-on learning experiences alongside NASA professionals.
Diverse Fields and Opportunities
NASA offers internships across a multitude of fields, catering to a wide range of interests and skills. High school students can explore opportunities in robotics, astrophysics, engineering, IT, communications, human resources, and more. This diversity ensures that NASA’s internships are not just for engineering students but for individuals with various expertise and skill sets.
The NASA Internship Experience
The NASA High School Internship Program offers an eight-week summer opportunity for juniors and seniors. Interns perform office clerical functions, shadow professionals, and work on tasks supporting NASA’s program activities. They also get involved in special events, gaining real-world work experience and exploring potential career paths. Projects can include analyzing urbanization's impact on the environment, assisting in remote sensing technologies for snow observation, and working on assignments at NASA’s test facilities supporting aeronautics and space research.
Eligibility Criteria For NASA’s High School Internship Program
Internship applicants must be:
U.S. citizens or permanent residents
At least 16 years of age
Have a GPA of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
A strong foundation in STEM subjects is crucial, although opportunities are not restricted to STEM fields alone. Students from disciplines like communications and business are also encouraged to apply, contributing valuable insights and expertise.
Application Process for NASA Internships
The application process involves submitting a letter of recommendation, a list of relevant experiences, a transcript, and three essays focusing on your desire to work at NASA, previous relevant experiences, and career goals. Students submit applications online through NASA’s official portal, with two significant deadlines: Early Decision and Rolling Decision. It’s advisable to remain attentive to phone and email after submission for potential opportunities like phone or video interviews with project mentors.
Tips for NASA’s Summer High School Internship Program
To increase your chances of being selected:
Carefully review the internship listing and customize your application.
Highlight skills, experiences, and knowledge that make you an ideal fit.
Stress problem-solving skills, team experiences, and passion for space exploration.
Proofread your application for accuracy and ask for feedback before submission
How to Stand Out in Your NASA Internship Application
To enhance your application:
Tailor your application to the specific internship position.
Use the S.A.R. Method: Detail a Situation, the Action you took, and the Result achieved. This method helps articulate your problem-solving process and outcomes, providing a detailed insight into your capabilities.
Life as a NASA Intern: What to Expect
NASA interns undertake meaningful and challenging projects. Opportunities are vast, ranging from engineering and computer science to architecture and journalism. Interns can work remotely or on-site at one of NASA's centers. Real-life testimonies from past interns reveal the immense learning and growth that come with these internships.
Conclusion: Launching Your STEM Journey with NASA
A NASA internship is more than an educational experience; it’s a gateway into the world of space exploration and scientific discovery. For high school students passionate about STEM, this is a unique opportunity to start a journey that could shape your future.
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.
