Update: April 22, 2020 – The Consortium for Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) program is not being offered at this time.


The Consortium for Undergraduate Research Experience, or CURE, offers summer and year-round research opportunities at JPL in the areas of astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science and space exploration to science, engineering and mathematics students selected from a consortium of Los Angeles area community colleges.(See program "requirements" for a list of participating colleges.)

This program provides an opportunity for undergraduates to form long-term working relationships with scientists at JPL. As part of their internships, students are partnered with JPL scientists, who serve as the students' mentors. Students complete designated projects outlined by their mentors, gaining educational experience in their fields of study while also contributing to NASA and JPL missions and science. Projects involve observations, image processing, data analysis, scientific programming, instrumentation development, or space missions engineering. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of enrichment activities, including tours, lectures and career advisement, arranged by the JPL Education Office.

This program is part of the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates.

Requirements:

  • Students majoring in science, engineering or mathematics who are enrolled at the following Los Angeles area community colleges:

    • Los Angeles City College
    • East Los Angeles College
    • Los Angeles Valley College
    • Pasadena City College
    • Victor Valley College
    • Moorpark College

  • Graduating seniors are not eligible to apply.
  • Minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA. The cumulative GPA must originate from the institution where the student has a current active status.
  • Open to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs).

Details:

  • Internships are offered year-round.
  • Full-time and part-time opportunities available.
  • Participants receive a monetary award provided by the National Science Foundation.
  • Housing and travel allowances are not provided.
  • Students may continue in the program for up to two years. Their participation ends when they transfer to a school outside of the consortium.
  • CURE interns will work at JPL in Pasadena, or at the JPL Table Mountain Observatory in the mountains above Los Angeles.

How to Apply:

Not offering at this time.

Contact Info:

Program Coordinators:

Los Angeles City College
Paul McCudden
Mccuddpj@lacitycollege.edu

East Los Angeles College
Jose Ramirez
Ramirejv@elac.edu

Los Angeles Valley College
David Falk
Falkdj@lavc.edu

Pasadena City College
John Sepikas
Jpsepikas@pasadena.edu

Moorpark College
Jim Somers
James_Somers@att.net

Victor Valley College:
Michael Butros
Michael.Butros@vvc.edu

JPL Program Coordinator
Roslyn Soto
Roslyn.Soto@jpl.nasa.gov

For general inquiries, contact:
JPL Education Office
internships@jpl.nasa.gov
(818) 354-1260