Landing a Stellar Career: A Guide to NASA Internships in Computer Science

The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Paid Internship Program provides college-level students with a prestigious opportunity to collaborate directly with the United States’ leading agency in science, aeronautics, and space exploration. NASA’s OSTEM Internships are paid positions that place students alongside NASA’s professional workforce-including engineers, research scientists, project managers, IT specialists, writers, program analysts, and many other experts. NASA offers multiple internship pathways. The NASA OSTEM Paid Internship Program is one of the most competitive and impactful opportunities for students pursuing careers in STEM and non-STEM disciplines.

Working at NASA is a dream for many STEM students, and NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) helps make that dream come true by offering a wide range of internship opportunities for students across all NASA centers. These internships are designed to provide authentic, hands-on experiences in various fields related to NASA's missions.

These programs help you build your STEM skills, refine your collaboration and leadership skills, and let you build community with mentors who are doing world-changing work. (Oh, and they can look great on your resume or activities list for college applications, too.)

Pathways to NASA: Exploring Internship Opportunities

NASA offers a variety of internship programs catering to different academic levels and interests. While a centralized list isn't provided in the prompt, students can explore opportunities through the One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) and individual NASA center websites. The NASA Education community determines which internship programs you are eligible for according to the information you provide in your application. OSSI does not yet include all NASA student internships. If you are interested in working at a specific site, be sure the check the site’s education webpage for internship opportunities. If you need to apply for the position through OSSI, you will be directed there. Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates to Federal Careers site.

Computer Science at NASA: A World of Possibilities

For students interested in computer science, NASA internships offer a unique chance to apply their skills to real-world challenges in space exploration, aeronautics, and scientific research. Here are some potential areas where computer science skills are highly valued:

Read also: A Look at NASA Intern Compensation

Software Development: Creating and maintaining software for spacecraft, satellites, and ground-based systems.
Data Analysis: Processing and analyzing large datasets collected from space missions and experiments.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Developing AI algorithms for autonomous systems, robotics, and scientific discovery.
Cybersecurity: Protecting NASA's critical infrastructure and data from cyber threats.
Visualization and Simulation: Creating simulations and visualizations to understand complex scientific phenomena and design new technologies.

High School Internship Opportunities

STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship

Some NASA internships conduct their research a little closer to home, like the STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) internship. The competitive SEES internship is a collaboration between NASA and the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Space Research. This program provides selected students with exposure to Earth and space research, helping them better understand climate sciences.

Eligibility Requirements: Current high school sophomore or junior, at least 16 years old by the program start date, strong academic record (particularly in math and science), demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in STEM.
Program Details: Approximately 2 weeks during the summer for the on-site portion of the internship. Online modules will be made available in advance of the in-person portion, and there’s approximately one month of project-specific online work with project mentors before the on-site portion.
Location: University of Texas at Austin campus (although there are some virtual projects).
Cost: Program participation is free. Housing, meals, and local transportation (to/from the airport) will be provided for those selected.

Goddard Institute for Space Studies' Climate Change Research Initiative

Another opportunity that allows high school students to immerse themselves in climate change research is the Goddard Institute for Space Studies' Climate Change Research Initiative. Here, students partner with interdisciplinary teams of NASA scientists and engineers on climate change-related projects.

High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program

If a summer-long opportunity leaves you wanting more, then the yearlong High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program might be just what you’re looking for. The program kicks off in the fall with a five-month online journey through space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics. Students who stand out will earn an invite to Moonshot-a five-day virtual summer experience where they’ll be mentored by actual NASA scientists and engineers. (Which seems pretty awesome.)And if you’re one of the top-performing teams from Moonshot?

NASA DEVELOP

Students wanting a broader exposure to using their STEM skills to solve real-world problems might want to explore NASA DEVELOP. This is a national program that brings together students to work on interdisciplinary research projects, applying NASA Earth observations to environmental and community concerns focused on nine thematic areas: Agriculture, Climate, Disasters, Ecological Conservation, Energy, Health & Air Quality, Urban Development, Water Resources, and Wildland Fires. While this program is primarily aimed at undergraduate and graduate students, motivated high school students can also participate.

Eligibility Requirements: At least 18 years of age, strong academic record, interest in service to community, Earth science, remote sensing, or related fields.
Program Details: 10 weeks. The spring term begins in late January, the summer term begins in early June, and the fall term begins in mid-September.
Locations: NASA centers, regional locations, and virtual opportunities.
Time Commitment: 20-29 hours per week for high school students.
Cost: Participants are responsible for their own housing, living expenses, and transportation to and from their DEVELOP office.
Requirements: citizen or permanent resident, rising high school juniors and seniors, have a computer with stable internet connection, have taken at least one high school biology course, minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
Program Details: Duration and time commitment: 12 weeks.

Aviation Concept Design Experience

Have a need for speed and flying high? The Aviation Concept Design Experience offers high school students the chance to work with NASA engineers on conceptual designs for future aircraft and aviation systems. Students learn about aeronautics principles and design methodologies and use them to propose solutions to “wicked” problems.

Read also: Interning at NASA JPL

Requirements: citizen, current high school student in grade 10 or 11 at time of application, strong academic record, particularly in math and science, interest in aeronautics, engineering, or design
Program Details: Duration: 8-week summer program.

Eligibility and Application Tips

To be eligible for NASA internships, applicants typically need to meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is often required. Some programs may accept permanent residents, but opportunities for international students are extremely limited.
Age: Pre-college applicants must be at least 16 years of age (at time of application) and a current high school sophomore, junior, or senior. Please note that if a student completes an academic level in the spring, they will be considered the next level for summer sessions (i.e. college or university. Please note that high school seniors are considered freshmen when applying for internships.
Academic Standing: A strong academic record is essential, particularly in STEM subjects. Most NASA internships require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though competitive applicants typically have higher GPAs. college or university with plans on attending full-time.Grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0.

To increase your chances of landing a NASA internship:

Focus on STEM: Strengthen your academic record in math, science, and computer science courses.
Get Involved: Participate in related extracurricular activities, such as robotics clubs, coding competitions, or science fairs.
Highlight Your Skills: Showcase your programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork experience in your application.
Seek Recommendations: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can attest to your abilities and potential.
Start Early: Begin researching and preparing for internships well in advance of the application deadlines.

Additional Opportunities

The closest NASA facility to UCSC is the NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field. NASA Ames is also a site for the Applied Sciences’ DEVELOP Program, through SSAI, sponsors paid internships. Graduates, undergraduates, and recent graduates work on Earth science research projects that extend research results to local communities. NASA Ames partners with UCSC to offer an an additional opportunity for undergraduate research. The University Affiliate Research Center (UARC) sponsors the the Systems Teaching Institute. Find the database entry here. Citizen (either by birth or naturalization) is required in order to apply in OSSI to be a NASA intern or fellow. citizens and are not eligible for NASA student opportunities available through OSSI.

Key Considerations for Aspiring NASA Interns

Paid vs. Unpaid

Some NASA high school internships offer stipends, while others are unpaid volunteer positions.

Academic Credit

Some programs offer academic credit or can be coordinated with your high school for credit. Discuss this possibility with your school counselor before beginning the internship.

Read also: Your Guide to NASA Internships

Housing and Transportation

Most NASA high school internships do not provide housing or transportation. Some programs may offer local transportation, housing stipends, or recommendations for accommodations, especially for residential programs.

Competitiveness

NASA internships are highly competitive, with acceptance rates often below 10%. Getting an internship as a high school student is a big deal. And getting a NASA internship? Well, they’re some of the most competitive and meaningful opportunities out there for a high school student who has big, bold STEM dreams.

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