Internships & Fellowships

All High School Undergraduate Graduate Postdoc Faculty
JPL Research Apprenticeship Program Eligibility
Description: The Research Apprenticeship Program (RA) is designed to allow experienced and qualified students to continue their research activities at JPL, generally after completing a NASA or JPL education program. Participation in this program must be approved and supported by a faculty sponsor or equivalent at the student's college as part of his or her academic program.
Period: Year round
Deadline: None
Contact: Rich Alvidrez, (818) 354-1214
More Info: http://jplra.jpl.nasa.gov/

Undergraduate and graduate students.
Students who have previous research experience working at JPL, for example, as student interns.
Minority Initiatives Internship Program Eligibility
Description: JPL's Minority Initiative Internship Program (MII) is an educational program that provides summer internship opportunities at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.  The program provides students with introductory professional experiences to complement their academic programs and research interests under the guidance of a JPL scientist or engineer who serves as the student's mentor. The program is designed to provide experiences in a technical and research and development environment in order to expand the student's understanding of possible career choices that are available at JPL and NASA as a whole.

Note: JPL will be unable to offer the Minority Initiatives Internship Program in 2012.
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Period: Closed for 2012
Deadline: Closed for 2012
Contact: Jenny Tieu, (818) 393-5386
More Info: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.cfm?page=238

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Undergraduates (upper level) or Graduate students (Ph.D. candidates).
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents who are full-time students pursuing a baccalaureate or higher degree in a field of science, technology, engineering or mathematics at an accredited college or university throughout the United States or Puerto Rico. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.  Additionally, because of the short duration and intensive requirements, no vacation time or summer day classes can be taken during the internship. If selected, the student must be present for the entire duration of the internship tenure dates.
NASA Planetary Science Summer School Eligibility
Description: The Planetary Science Summer School provides one-week of intensive team exercises learning the process of developing a mission concept into reality. Participants also learn about mission lifecycles.
Period: Two one-week sessions (July 18 - 22 and Aug. 1 - 5, 2011)
Deadline: Closed for 2011
Contact: Anita Sohus, (818) 354-6613
More Info: https://pscischool.jpl.nasa.gov/

Science and engineering graduate and postdoc students with a strong interest in careers in planetary exploration.
Space Grant Program (Summer) Eligibility
Description: Space Grant consortia in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico fund fellowships and internships for students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). NASA initiated the National Space Grant Program in 1989 to expand scholarship and internship opportunities for Americans to understand and participate in NASA's aeronautics and space projects by supporting and enhancing science and engineering education and research.
Period: Summer, usually June - August
Deadline: Mar. 1, 2011
Contact: Space Grant Director for your state
More Info: http://calspace.ucsd.edu/spacegrant/

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Undergraduate and graduate students.
Students must be U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents enrolled in full-time study at a Space Grant-affiliated college or university, 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA.
Year-Round Internship Program at JPL Eligibility
Description: The Year-Round Internship Program at JPL offers research opportunities at the lab for students whose colleges and universities allow them to pursue off-campus independent study during terms or semesters of the academic year as well as summer recess.
Period: Year round; Minimum 10-week program; renewable up to 6 months
Deadline: Ongoing
Contact: Send resume and unofficial transcript to Linda.L.Rodgers@jpl.nasa.gov
More Info: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.cfm?page=215

Undergraduate and graduate students.
Students must be U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents.
Curriculum Improvement Partnerships Award for the Integration of Research Eligibility
Description: The Curriculum Improvements Partnership Award for the Integration of Research (CIPAIR) assists two- and four-year minority institutions with strengthening their science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, academic fields and technical programs. Funding is used to increase the quantity and quality of STEM curricula, the number of underrepresented and underserved students who attain degrees in STEM and the number of underrepresented and underserved students who choose careers in NASA-related fields.
Period: Ongoing
Deadline: Not applicable
Contact: Lenell Allen, (818) 393-5917
More Info: http://bit.ly/8qPzZI

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Faculty.
The program is for two- and four-year minority institutions.
JPL Graduate Fellowship Eligibility
Description: The JPL Graduate Fellowship (JPLGF) is a graduate fellowship project for students attending a U.S. university. Participants must spend their first ten weeks or more in the project working with science or engineering mentors in laboratories at JPL. JPLGF enhances JPL's relationships with students and their universities for the duration of their graduate studies, provides increased exposure for graduate students to space science/engineering and mission environment at JPL, and the visibility of JPL researchers.
Period: Year-round
Deadline: See website
Contact: Send resume and unofficial transcript to Linda.L.Rodgers@jpl.nasa.gov
More Info: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.cfm?page=216

Graduate students.
Students must be U.S. citizens, Legal Permanent Residents or foreign nationals attending a U.S. university.
Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience Eligibility
Description: The Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience, or INSPIRE, is a multitier year-round NASA program designed for students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and careers.

Note: JPL will be unable to offer high school internships in the summer of 2012.
Read more

Period: Closed for 2012
Deadline: Closed for 2012
Contact: See website
More Info: http://bit.ly/d3Gew1

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High school.
Students must be entering ninth through 12th grade when the school year begins; must be at least 13 at the time of the application; must be a U.S. citizen and have a 2.5 GPA.
MURF Undergraduate Research Fellowships Eligibility
Description: Caltech's MURF Undergraduate Research Fellowships program provides support for talented undergraduates to spend a summer working in a research laboratory on the Caltech campus or at JPL. The program aims to increase the number of underrepresented students (such as African American, Hispanic,  Native American, females who are underrepresented in their discipline, and first-generation college students) in science and engineering Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. programs and to make Caltech's programs more visible to students not traditionally exposed to Caltech.
Period: Summer, 10-week program
Deadline: January 11, 2012
Contact: Carol Casey, 626-395-2887
More Info: http://www.murf.caltech.edu/

Undergraduates.
Must be current sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents.
Caltech's Amgen Scholars Program Eligibility
Description: Caltech's Amgen Scholars program provides students the opportunity to conduct research in biology, chemistry, and bio-technical related fields under the guidance of seasoned research mentors. Students should have an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. in a related field.
Period: 10-week program mid-June to late August
Deadline: February 15, 2012
Contact: Carol Casey, 626-395-2887
More Info: http://www.amgenscholars.caltech.edu/index.html

Undergraduates.
Must be sophomores, juniors or non-graduating seniors attending 4-year colleges in U.S., Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories. Must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher and must be a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.
CSU Science Teacher And Researcher Program Eligibility
Description: The California State University Science Teacher And Researcher Program (CSU STAR) is an 9-week program that offers undergraduate, graduate or teaching credential-seeking CSU students who are planning to become science teachers (i.e. pre-service teachers) an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at national research centers throughout California.
Period: 9-week program in summer
Deadline: January 31, 2012
Contact: Petra Kneissl-Milanian, (818) 354-0726
More Info: http://www.cesame.calpoly.edu/programs-star.html

Undergraduates, graduate students and those pursuing teaching credentials.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be at least a junior with strong science and math courses. Applicants must be interested in becoming a science or math teacher at the secondary level and be a science, math or engineerig major. U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents are eligible to apply. Applicants must be a CSU student in California and/or a Noyce Scholar in California, Colorado, Maryland, Tennessee or Washington.
NASA Harriet Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Project Eligibility
Description: The NASA Harriett Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Project (JPFP) awards fellowships for graduate studies in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the masters and doctoral levels. The primary goal of JPFP is to increase the number of women, minorities and persons with disabilities participating in these areas of the workforce.  JPFP facilitates the development of a more inclusive, multicultural and sustainable workforce by providing access and opportunity to underrepresented students interested in pursuing advanced degrees.
Period: ongoing
Deadline: Closed for 2011
Contact: Jenny Tieu, (818) 393-5386
More Info: http://bit.ly/cPDenM

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Undergraduate seniors applying to a graduate degree program, masters, and doctoral students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents.
JPL Undergraduate Scholars Eligibility
Description: The JPL Undergraduate Scholars Program (JPLUS) recognizes achievement and high potential in students attending community colleges closest to JPL and Pasadena. Students must be studying engineering, physical science, computer science or mathematics to be eligible for JPLUS. In addition to a recognition award, students will be provided with activities (seminars, workshops and conferences) designed to become aware of and prepare for undergraduate research fellowship opportunities.
Period: One year
Deadline: April nomination by faculty at participating colleges
Contact: Rich Alvidrez, (818) 354-1214
More Info: http://jplus.jpl.nasa.gov/

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Undergraduates.
Recommended by faculty only at participating colleges (see website). Limited to students majoring in engineering, mathematics, computer sciences or the physical sciences.
JPL Summer High School Internship Program Eligibility
Description: The JPL Summer High School Internship Program (SpaceSHIP) offers entry-level research internships to students with demonstrated interests and talent in science, engineering and computer science. Awards are highly competitive

Note: JPL will be unable to offer high school internships in the summer of 2012.
Read more

Period: Closed for 2012
Deadline: Closed for 2012
Contact: David Seidel, (818) 354-9313
More Info:

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High school students attending school within a 50-mile radius of JPL.
Students must be U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents and have a 3.0 GPA or above. Applicants must be 16 years old at the start of the internship.
Center for Astronomy Education Eligibility
Description: A professional development resource for the introductory astronomy community, with an emphasis on community colleges. Workshops for faculty, teaching tips and strategies, and educational links.
Period: Year round
Deadline: None
Contact: Richard Alvidrez, (818) 354-1214
More Info: http://astronomy101.jpl.nasa.gov/

Faculty.
Teachers of the introductory astronomy course.
JPL Community College Consortium Eligibility
Description: The Jet Propulsion Laboratory Community College Consortium is an alliance of community college faculty with mutual professional interests. Its mission is to enhance community college science, mathematics and technology education using NASA/JPL resources and partnership opportunities.
Period: Year round
Deadline: None
Contact: Rich Alvidrez, (818) 354-1214
More Info:

Faculty.
All teachers in local community colleges.
Consortium for Undergraduate Research Experience Eligibility
Description: The Consortium for Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE), co-sponsored by California State University Los Angeles (CSULA) and JPL, is one of the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) sites for astronomy. It recruits undergraduate students from CSULA and participating community colleges in the Los Angeles area, all of which have high enrollment from populations underrepresented in science and engineering fields. Participants work with JPL staff members at the main campus or at the Table Mountain Observatory on a variety of projects related to JPL missions or science.
Period: Academic Year or Summer, for an agreed upon length of time.
Deadline: See website for details
Contact: Richard Alvidrez, (818) 354-1214
More Info: http://astro.calstatela.edu/cure/

Undergraduates.
Students must be U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents and be nominated by faculty members at participating academic institutions.
Student Independent Research Intern Program Eligibility
Description: The Student Independent Research Intern Program (SIRI) is a one-semester unpaid internship at JPL for students enrolled in an independent study course at a participating college. Students are under the supervision of a mentor during this period, and the program coordinator provides professional development activities. Faculty at participating colleges nominate students for participation in this program.
Period: Spring and Fall
Deadline: Six weeks prior to Spring and Fall semesters
Contact: Rich Alvidrez, (818) 354-1214
More Info: http://siri.jpl.nasa.gov/

Undergraduates.
Students from Glendale College, Pasadena City College, Citrus College, Cal Poly-Pomona, California State University at Los Angeles, California State University at Northridge, Santa Monica College and Mt. San Antonio College, among others.
Caltech's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships Eligibility
Description: Caltech's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) introduces undergraduate students to research at the Caltech campus or at JPL under the guidance of seasoned mentors. Students experience the process of research as a creative intellectual activity and gain a more realistic view of the opportunities and demands of a professional research career.
Period: Summer. This is a 10-week program offered only in the summer.
Deadline: February 22, 2012
Contact: Candace Rypisi, (626) 395-2886/Caltech | Petra Kneissl-Milanian, (818) 354-0726/JPL
More Info: http://www.surf.caltech.edu

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Undergraduates.
For projects to be conducted at JPL, the students must be U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents.
JPL Summer Faculty Research Program Eligibility
Description: The JPL Summer Faculty Research Program  provides opportunities for science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) faculty to engage in research of mutual interest to the faculty member and the JPL researcher. The goals of the program are a) to cultivate research collaborations between JPL and the academic community that will contribute to JPL's research objectives and b) to provide opportunities for college and university faculty to experience the methods and content of the NASA/JPL culture so they will be able to give more informed advice and information to their students.
Period: Summer
Deadline: April 27, 2012
Contact: Petra Kneissl-Milanian (818) 354-0726
More Info: http://jsfrp.jpl.nasa.gov/

Faculty.
Full-time STEM faculty at U.S. accredited colleges or universities. Non-STEM faculty will be considered based on available opportunities. Special requirements for foreign national faculty apply.
Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology Eligibility
Description: The Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology Program (MUST) is funded by NASA as a joint partnership with the Hispanic College Fund, the United Negro College Fund Special Programs and the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers. The program is particularly focused on engaging students from under-served and under-represented minority groups.
Period: Summer
Deadline: Closed for 2011
Contact: Jenny Tieu, (818) 393-5386
More Info: http://bit.ly/53COaL

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College sophmores and juniors.
Please be advised that the eligibility criteria for the MUST Project has been changed. For this academic year, NASA will be selecting rising sophomores and juniors only. This change had been made effective as of Feb. 10, 2010. This change to the project enables students selected into MUST as sophomores to renew through their senior year. The program awards scholarships and internships to students pursuing degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
NASA Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program Eligibility
Description: The Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program (PGGURP) provides undergraduates majoring in geology and related sciences an opportunity to participate in research in planetary geosciences. Students work under the direction of a NASA-sponsored planetary geology and geophysics investigator during the summer.
Period: Summer. This is an 8-week program.
Deadline: January 30, 2012
Contact: Professor Tracy Gregg, (716) 645-6800 x6100
More Info: http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~tgregg/pggurp.html

Undergraduates.
Juniors and above.
Postdoctoral Programs Eligibility
Description: The Jet Propulsion Laboratory hosts a number of postdoctoral programs. Postdocs are a critical part of JPL's research community and we are dedicated to help ensure a successful experience for our postdocs.
Period: See website for details
Deadline: See website for details
Contact: Rowena Kloepfer, 818-354-3649
More Info: http://postdocs.jpl.nasa.gov/

See website for details.
JPL Human Resources Office Student Programs Eligibility
Description: JPL's Human Resources Office offers a variety of paid opportunities for students. The programs are: Academic Part-Time; Summer Internship; and COOP Six-Month Full-Time Internship.
Period: Varies
Deadline: See website for details
Contact: Paula Caterina, 818-354-0688
More Info: https://careerlaunch.jpl.nasa.gov/college.html

Undergraduate and graduate students.
Achieving Competence in Computing, Engineering and Space Science Eligibility
Description: The Achieving Competence in Computing, Engineering and Space Science Program (ACCESS) is designed for students with identified disabilities who are pursuing technical careers. Students will work with scientists and engineers on research projects compatible with their skills, abilities and interests.
Period: Summer. This is a ten-week program.
Deadline: Closed for 2011
Contact: Jenny Tieu, (818) 393-5386
More Info: http://ehrweb.aaas.org/entrypoint/

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Undergraduate and Graduate students.
Students must be U.S. students or Lawful Permanent Residents enrolled at accredited universities in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics programs of study. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or better.