NASA OSTEM Internships Program

NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) 

paid internships allow high school and collegelevel students to contribute to agency projects 

under the guidance of a NASA mentor. 

• Applicants for this internship must be U.S. 

Citizens and meet a minimum 3.0 GPA 

requirement.

• These paid internships are offered across 

NASA facilities in fall, spring, and summer 

sessions.

• One application is viewed agencywide.

• OSTEM interns may receive a stipend based 

on academic level and session length.

• Prior experience is not required.

• Opportunities are available at the high 

school, undergraduate, graduate, and 

educator levels.

Pathways Internship Program

The Pathways Internship Program offers 

students and recent graduates paid 

internships that are direct pipelines to full-time 

employment at NASA upon graduation.

• Pathways interns gain valuable work 

experience and professional development.

• Interns are paid federal civil servants with 

benefits.

• Completion of the Pathways program may 

lead to a NASA job offer.

• Pathways internships are listed on 

www.usajobs.gov.

NASA’S INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS?

NASA has two internship programs, the 

Pathways Internship Program and the NASA 

Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) 

Internships. Both are paid and engage 

students with real-world experiences while 

contributing to the operation of a NASA 

facility and the advancement of NASA’s 

missions. NASA also offers many other 

internship-style and fellowship programs. 

Visit intern.nasa.gov to learn more.

WHY APPLY FOR AN INTERNSHIP AT NASA?

As a NASA intern, you’ll join a community of diverse professionals who are united by a common 

purpose: to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research. 

Regardless of your career goals, a NASA internship will give you the kind of rewarding experience that 

makes a brilliant start for career advancement. 

NASA leads the world in space exploration and NASA internships are an important part of our 

commitment to ensuring that the next generation will be ready for the challenges ahead. And while we’re 

known for our achievements in science and engineering, we’re just as proud of our achievements in the 

workplace. NASA is consistently named the “Best Place to Work in the Federal Government” by the 

Partnership for Public Service.

NASA’S

INTERNSHIP 

PROGRAMS

ARE YOU READY 

TO EXPLORE

NASA’s internship 

programs provide 

training, mentoring, 

and career 

development 

opportunities while 

working with the best 

science, engineering, 

financial, information 

technology and 

business minds in the 

world. Interns have 

the opportunity to 

engage in world-world 

experiences.

THE EXTRAORDINARY?

intern.nasa.gov

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration
Follow us at:

www.facebook.com/NASAInterns 

www.twitter.com/NASAInterns 

www.instagram.com/NASAInterns

BLOG www.blogs.nasa.gov/interns 

Linkedin.com/company/nasa

LIFE AT NASA

At NASA, we explore the infinite every day and 

our work is more than just a profession—it’s a 

lifelong pursuit and a passion. We’re a diverse 

team united by a shared purpose. As a NASA 

intern, you’ll work on meaningful projects that 

will make an enduring impact on humanity. 

And you’ll join an inclusive culture that values 

diversity and inclusion as critical to mission 

success. 

Be sure to visit us at: 

intern.nasa.gov/

For more about our specific locations, visit: 

www.nasa.gov/about/sites/

Tag us at #NASAstudents and #NASAinterns “After interning here I know 

I can accomplish anything.” 

 - Sarah

NASA Internships Offer:

• Meaningful work that truly makes an 

impact 

• Variety! NASA internships are available for 

students in a variety of disciplines – not 

just science, technology, engineering and 

math. 

• A culture that values safety, integrity, 

teamwork, excellence and inclusion. 

• Networking opportunities with managers, 

mentors, NASA employees & other interns. 

• Opportunities to participate in Employee 

Resource Groups (ERGs) that connect 

interns across the agency through events 

like speed networking, guest speakers, 

and more. 

NASA’s Most Frequently Hired Positions:

• Aerospace Engineering 

• Mechanical Engineering 

• Electrical Engineering 

• Computer Engineering/Science 

• Physical Science 

• Public Affairs 

• Business Administration 

• Accounting 

• Finance 

• Human Resources 

• Information Technology 

intern.nasa.gov

LOCATION:

Our internships are located at NASA centers 

across the country, including Alabama, 

California, Florida, Maryland, Mississippi, 

New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, 

Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and more. 

Some internships may also available virtually. 

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN OUR INTERNS:

• U.S. citizens 

• High school, undergraduate, graduate 

students and educators 

• A minimum GPA of 2.9 for Pathways or 

3.0 for OSTEM

• Curiosity, teamwork, and a passion for 

exploration! 

Each program has slightly different 

requirements and applications processes. 

Visit intern.nasa.gov for more details on each. 
NASA’s Pathways Internship Program is a multi-semester experience that prepares you 

for a career at NASA and offers a direct pipeline to full-time employment at NASA upon 

graduation.

NASA PATHWAYS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

LEARN MORE ABOUT PATHWAYS AT: 

https://www.nasa.gov/careers/pathways

WHO WE LOOK FOR

• U.S. citizen or national; 

• At least 16 years of age at the time of 

appointment; 

• A degree or certificate seeking student who is 

currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment in 

an accredited educational institution on at least a 

half time basis as defined by the institution; 

• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.9 on a 4.0 scale; 

• Be able to work at least 640 hours before 

completing degree/certificate requirements;

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Autonomy to define your own career trajectory at 

NASA. We’ll work with you to define assignments 

and training opportunities that will help you 

achieve YOUR career goals. 

• Pathways interns are paid every 2 weeks 

based on your GS level. Starting GS levels are 

determined by the level of education you’ve 

completed when you apply. 

• Pathways interns have access to the same 

benefits as our full-time employees, including 

health, dental, vision and life insurance, flexible 

spending accounts, and retirement accounts.

HOW TO APPLY

• Create a profile and build your resume on 

USAJOBS. 

• Apply to a vacancy during the open application 

window. 

• Complete an online assessment (if applicable). 

• If selected, participate in an interview. 

• Selections typically occur within 3 months of 

initial application.

WATCH OUR PATHWAYS VIDEO PLAYLIST!

These videos will help you do your research, 

prepare your application, and apply to a vacancy 

during the open application window!

DID YOU KNOW?

NASA hosts 

approximately 

650 Pathways 

interns each 

year from 

a variety of 

educational 

and personal 

backgrounds. 

APPLICATION TIPS

• Apply to the vacancy that aligns with both your 

academic major & preferred geographic location.

• Put your accomplishments in your resume 

in narrative format. Use the CAR method 

(Challenge/Action/Result). Include skills, tools, 

software, and knowledge gained.

• Submit your transcript with all necessary 

information to verify academic status.

• Beware of errors when completing the 

application questionnaires.

ASSESSMENT TIPS

• The online assessment measures 12 nontechnical competencies, such as attention to 

detail, decision making and team working.

• Visit https://usahire.opm.gov/assess/default/

sample/Sample.action to review sample items.

• Set aside at least 3 hours to take the 

assessment.

• Answer each question to the best of your ability. 

Your results are kept on record for 1 year. 
NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) paid internships allow high school and collegelevel students to contribute to agency projects under the guidance of a NASA mentor.

NASA OSTEM INTERNSHIPS PROGRAM

LEARN MORE ABOUT OSTEM INTERNSHNIPS AT: 

intern.nasa.gov

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?

• Be a U.S. citizen.

• Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).

• Be a full-time student (high school through 

graduate-level).

• Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of 

application (no exceptions).

• Undergraduate and graduate students must be 

enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at 

an accredited college or university. Educators are 

also eligible to apply.

WHEN DO INTERNSHIPS TAKE PLACE?

There are three internship sessions:

SESSION DURATION START/END APP DEADLINE

Spring 16 Weeks Mid January - 

Early May Early November

Summer 10 Weeks Late May/Eary 

June - August Early March

Fall 16 Weeks

Late August/Early 

September - Mid 

December

Early July

WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Projects vary at every center each session. Once you 

complete an application, you will be able to view the 

available projects for the specified session. You can 

use filters to locate specific projects that meet your 

desired geographic location and skill sets.

HOW DO I APPLY?

You can explore opportunities and submit 

applications here https://nasacentral.force.com/s/

explore-opportunities. For more information, visit 

intern.nasa.gov.

ARE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION REQUIRED?

Letters of recommendation are not required as part 

of the NASA Office of STEM Engagement Internships 

application.

WILL I BE ASKED TO CONDUCT AN INTERVIEW?

Many project mentors like to conduct phone or 

video interviews with potential candidates prior 

to internship selection; however, this is not a 

requirement. Regardless, make sure that you are 

checking your phone and email regularly once you 

have applied to ensure you do not miss a great 

opportunity!

WHEN WILL I HEAR IF I AM SELECTED?

Selections may occur any time after you submit 

your application. You will be contacted if you are 

considered for a project and will receive an official 

offer letter via email if selected.

ARE INTERNSHIPS PAID?

The majority of interns received a stipend award, 

which is based on academic level and session 

duration.