NASA's internship programs are designed to provide students with training, mentoring, and career development opportunities while working alongside esteemed professionals in science, engineering, financial, information technology, and business sectors. These programs are part of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) and offer paid opportunities for college-level students to contribute to NASA's mission of advancing science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration.

The OSTEM internships allow students to gain practical work experience by working full-time or part-time at a NASA center or facility. Interns are paired with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and professionals from various fields, enhancing their career readiness and building valuable technical skills. The program includes three sessions annually, with specific deadlines for summer and fall applications.

NASA also offers the Pathways program, which provides current students and recent graduates paid internships that serve as a direct pipeline to full-time employment at NASA. This program offers work-study (co-op) opportunities, paid federal civil servant positions with benefits, and professional development across most NASA facilities. Completion of the Pathways program may lead to a job offer at NASA. Interns typically work regular business hours, Monday through Friday, but schedules can vary based on project requirements.

While specific instructors and prerequisites are not mentioned, the internships include working with experienced NASA mentors on agency projects. Interns are responsible for their housing arrangements and may need a car depending on their center location and available public transportation options. Outcomes of the internship include gaining confidence, essential technical skills, and career readiness, preparing participants for successful entry into the workforce and potentially receiving a job offer from NASA.

Schedule Details

Interns typically work during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.