Do you have a high school or university student with a dream of working for NASA? You’ve come to the right place. Completing a NASA internship is one of the best ways to start their journey towards an exciting career in the space industry. You and your child's NASA journey starts now!
Fine tune your teen's knowledge of space exploration anytime in live online Space Careers classes tailored to their individual interests and needs. These private classes are recommended for kids interested in developing their own space projects, and for those preparing to apply for NASA internships.
Or do you have a budding NASA enthusiast on your hands that's too young to think about internships just yet? Help your first to fourth grader explore the mysteries of outer space science with fun projects by enrolling them in a live online NASA Science class for kids, led by an expert, and designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT.
Discover NASA Internships for Kids
In this article you will learn about several exciting NASA internships and other NASA opportunities that are available to high school and undergraduate university students this year. The details on how to apply are specific to each internship and the links are provided below. Keep in mind the 2025 Internship Application Deadlines:
- Spring 2025: Aug. 23, 2024
- Summer 2025 – Early Decision: Oct. 25, 2024; Final, Feb. 28, 2025
- Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
1. Pathways Internships
Open to high school and college students
The Pathways program offers current students and recent graduates paid internships that are direct paths to full-time employment at NASA when they graduate. These are paid internships offered at several NASA centers and the payment varies depending on the position. Internships focus on a variety of areas including engineering, IT, human resources, physical science, occupational health and administration. Candidates are well-rounded students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate curiosity, team-orientation, excellence, a passion for exploration, agility, and resilience. Prior experience is not required! Pathways applications will be open from August 14th through August 21st on USAJOBS.
2. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Summer Internships
JPL is the research and development center where they build the Mars Rovers (among many other things) and keep in contact with NASA's deep space probes. JPL is different from the other NASA centers as it is managed by a university, the California Institute of Technology. It is a very unique and inspiring place to do an internship. The JPL Summer Internship Program offers 10-week, full-time, summer internship opportunities at JPL to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Both American citizens and legal residents of the United States may apply. Summer internships begin in May and June, on the first business day of each week. Participants receive a monetary award, given in monthly disbursements, for the period of the internship. Award amounts vary and are subject to change.
As part of their internships, students are partnered with JPL scientists or engineers, who serve as the students' mentors. Students complete projects outlined by their mentors, gaining educational experience in their fields of study while contributing to NASA and JPL missions. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of enrichment activities including tours, lectures arranged by the JPL Education Office.
3. Virtual - JWST Cosmic Ray Rejection using ML
Open to high school and college students
This exciting internship opportunity involves working with data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), one of the most advanced space telescopes ever launched. The challenge here is to improve how data is handled that gets contaminated by cosmic rays—tiny particles from space that can interfere with observations. Interns will help develop a machine learning algorithm to automatically detect and filter out these cosmic ray hits from the data, making it more accurate and useful for scientists. Students will use Python and various machine learning libraries like TensorFlow and Scikit-learn to build and test their algorithms. If your child loves coding and space science, this internship is a chance to dive into cutting-edge research and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries!
Learn Python in an award-winning online class for kids led live by an expert instructor.
4. Virtual - Deep Learning Classification of Kepler/TESS Transit Signals
Open to high school and college students
This internship offers a unique chance to dive into the exciting world of exoplanet discovery using advanced technology. Kepler and TESS are space telescopes that search for Earth-like planets by detecting tiny dips in starlight caused by planets passing in front of their stars. However, not every signal is a planet; some could be caused by noise or other cosmic phenomena. Interns will use deep learning technology to help classify these signals and distinguish real planets from false alarms. By developing and improving machine learning models in Python using tools like scikit-learn, Keras, and TensorFlow, students will contribute to finding new exoplanets and potentially publish their findings in prestigious journals. If your child is passionate about space, coding, and deep learning, this internship is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in astronomy!
5. The PolCube CubeSat polarimeter
Open to college students
Dive into the fascinating world of atmospheric science with this exciting internship opportunity! Students will learn to use the advanced PolCube-MAPP algorithm to study tiny particles in the atmosphere called aerosols, which come from sources like sea salt, dust, and even pollution. This technique, called polarimetry, helps scientists understand how these particles interact with our air, water, and ecosystems—knowledge that’s crucial for everything from NASA missions to public health. It's a hands-on chance to contribute to research that impacts our planet's future!
6. ASRS - Mining Emerging Safety Threats in the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting
Open to college students
If your child is fascinated by aviation and technology, this internship could be an incredible opportunity! At NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS), students will dive into the world of aviation safety by working with real reports from pilots, air traffic controllers, and flight attendants. The ASRS team receives these reports to ensure aviation safety, and interns will use cutting-edge techniques like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Social Network Analysis to analyze these reports. This hands-on experience allows students to identify emerging safety threats, evaluate current processes, and even suggest new methods for making our skies safer. It's a unique chance for your child to contribute to the future of aviation while gaining valuable skills in technology and data analysis.
Learn data science in a live online Data Superpower class for kids led by an expert instructor, and designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT.
7. Science Internship at Ames Research Center Summer 2025
Open to college students
If your child is excited about science and space exploration, this NASA internship at Ames Research Center could be a dream opportunity! Students can work with leading researchers in three major divisions: Earth Sciences, Space Biosciences, and Space Science & Astrobiology. Whether they're interested in studying our planet’s climate, tackling the challenges of life in space, or exploring the possibilities of life beyond Earth, there’s a research area for every science enthusiast. Interns will dive into real projects like monitoring Earth's atmosphere, conducting biological experiments for space missions, or exploring the origins of stars and planetary systems. With opportunities to work both remotely and on-site, this internship provides a chance to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge scientific fields, all while contributing to missions that shape the future of space exploration and planetary science.
8. Weather Data Processing LaRC
Open to college students
If your child is fascinated by weather and technology, this internship at NASA Langley Research Center could be a fantastic opportunity! Students will get to work with cutting-edge tools and instruments that monitor the atmosphere and weather conditions. They'll help process and analyze large amounts of data collected from advanced sensors like 3D sonic anemometers and wind lidars. Interns will also get hands-on experience developing software and dashboards using MATLAB or Python to visualize and interpret this data.
9. NBISC Intern
Open to college students
If your child has an interest in science and data management, this internship at NASA’s Biological Institutional Scientific Collection (NBISC) at Ames Research Center could be a fantastic fit! Interns will help manage a unique biorepository of non-human samples from spaceflight and ground studies. Their tasks will include entering and organizing data using Excel and Python scripts, creating visual representations of the sample data, and potentially assisting with sample receipt and inventory. For in-person roles, students will engage with preserved samples and undergo laboratory safety training. This internship offers hands-on experience in scientific data management and is a great opportunity for those interested in both biology and technology.
10. In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM)
Open to college students
This internship offers an exciting opportunity for students interested in space technology and innovation. At NASA Langley Research Center, interns will dive into the world of In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM). ISAM involves the development of technologies that allow us to build, repair, and upgrade spacecraft while they are in space—an essential part of NASA’s future missions. Interns will collaborate with experts to document current ISAM technologies, explore new possibilities, and help shape the future of space missions. This is a great chance for students to apply their skills to real-world challenges and contribute to cutting-edge space research!
11. Graphics and Document Development with My NASA Data
Open to college students
This internship is a fantastic chance for kids to help make important NASA data accessible to everyone! My NASA Data needs creative minds to develop graphics and documents that are easy to use and understand, especially for people with different needs. You’ll work on designing templates, forms, and other resources for the GLOBE Mission Earth project, which aims to engage people in Earth science activities. If you have experience with accessibility and enjoy creating graphics, this virtual internship could be a perfect fit.
Learn graphic design in a live online Canva for Kids class led by an expert.
Explore even more internships.
Do NASA interns get paid?
High school interns do not get paid. University students do get paid through the Pathways program and at JPL.
Is it hard to get a NASA internship?
The more you prepare, the less difficult it will be to get a NASA internship. If you are not accepted for an internship in your first application it's important not to be discouraged. NASA is made up of people who don’t give up easily. Everyone who works for NASA has been rejected at some point while working towards their career or gotten a bad grade in school. It's important to remember there are many students competing for these opportunities.NASA high school and undergrad internships are open to citizens of the United States while Jet Propulsion Laboratory internships are open to American citizens and legal residents of the United States States.
How do I become a NASA intern?
Applying for NASA internships requires a lot of attention to detail and preparation. So please be sure to read the application instructions carefully and submit your complete application before the deadlines. Some of the deadlines are coming up soon!
There are several factors to consider when applying for an internship at NASA. These include your specific interests (ex. science, engineering, education etc), your age and your academic record and in some cases, your willingness to travel to another city. NASA has centers all over the USA. In addition to NASA internships there are other cool opportunities available where you can get hands-on experience with NASA including being a volunteer or taking NASA badging courses.
How to Prepare for a NASA Internship
Here are a few tips to help your child prepare to apply for a NASA internship this summer, spring, or fall. By following these steps, they'll be well-prepared to showcase their skills and passion, making their application stand out in the competitive process. Good luck!
- Understand the Mission: Explore NASA's exciting missions and research areas. Familiarize yourself with their latest projects, like Mars exploration or satellite technology, to show your genuine interest and understanding in your application.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of application deadlines and required documents. Use a checklist to ensure you don’t miss any important steps in the application process.
- Check the Requirements: Review the eligibility criteria, including GPA, coursework, and skills needed. For instance, if the internship involves coding, make sure you have a solid grasp of programming languages such as Python or Java.
- Build Relevant Skills: Focus on skills that NASA values. If you’re applying for a role involving data analysis, get comfortable with tools like MATLAB or Excel. If it’s research-based, hone your skills in literature review and experimental design.
- Customize Your Resume: Prepare a polished resume and cover letter. Highlight your relevant experiences, such as science projects, coding classes, or any research work. Tailor your resume to match the internship's focus and showcase your achievements clearly.
- Get Strong Recommendations: Ask teachers, mentors, or supervisors who know your work well to write strong recommendation letters. Ensure they highlight your skills, work ethic, and enthusiasm for STEM subjects.
- Showcase Your Projects: If you’ve worked on science or engineering projects, create a portfolio or presentation of your work. Include any research papers, coding projects, or engineering designs you’ve developed.
- Network and Learn: Connect with current or past NASA interns. Join STEM clubs or attend related events to build your network and learn more about the field. Networking can provide valuable insights and tips for your application.
Apply For A NASA Internship For Students Today
There are so many amazing NASA internships to apply for, as well as other amazing ways to get involved in the world of NASA. Check out out-of-this-world fun NASA contests and NASA activities.
Written by Bruce Callow, a Create & Learn space class teacher and co-author of the books To the Stars: Costa Rica in NASA, The Intrepids: Costa Rican Women in Science and Technology and To the Stars: Guatemala in Space. He worked for former NASA astronaut Dr. Franklin Chang Diaz as a communications consultant and on the climate change film Odyssey 2050. Bruce partners with NASA in a variety of space education activities. His favorite Star Trek character is Mr. Spock.
