NASA internships summer 2018 offered students hands-on experience with cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, and mathematics projects. These competitive opportunities connected the next generation of innovators with mission-driven work at NASA centers across the United States.
The 2018 summer cycle emphasized real mission impact, mentorship from leading experts, and pathways to full-time careers in aerospace and beyond. Below is a structured overview of the program profile for that summer cycle.
| Category | Detail | 2018 Summer Value | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | Submission date for consideration | December 1, 2017 (late rounds extended to February 1, 2018) | NASA Internships Portal |
| Eligibility | Citizenship and enrollment requirements | U.S. citizenship, full-time enrollment in a degree program, minimum 2.9 GPA | NASA OIG Policy Guide |
| Duration | Internship length for the summer | 10–11 weeks, beginning in late May and ending in early August | NASA HR Intern FAQ |
| Stipend Range | Compensation by education level | $3,000–$6,500 per term, varying by location and level | NASA Intern Compensation Schedule |
| Available Centers | Primary NASA locations hosting interns | Johnson, Kennedy, Marshall, Goddard, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Langley, and more | NASA Centers Directory |
Student Life at NASA Facilities
On-Site Experience and Housing
Interns participated in project teams, attended technical speaker series, and joined peer networking events. Many centers arranged on-site housing or partnered with local providers, though availability depended on center capacity and location.
Diversity, Mentorship, and Professional Growth
NASA emphasized inclusive teams and formal mentorship pairings to support career development. Workshops on resume building, interview skills, and science communication helped translate internship experience into future opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Citizenship, Enrollment, and Academic Benchmarks
Applicants were required to be U.S. citizens, enrolled in a degree program, and maintaining at least a 2.9 GPA. Majors in engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, computer science, and mathematics were strongly encouraged.
Submission Procedures and Key Dates
The online application opened in the fall, with a primary deadline in December and a final extended deadline in February. Applicants submitted academic transcripts, résumés, and answers to essay prompts tailored to the opportunity.
Available Disciplines and Project Types
Engineering, Science, and IT Opportunities
Roles spanned aerospace design, robotics, payload integration, remote sensing, climate research, astrophysics, and software development. Each project included clearly defined tasks aligned with the intern’s academic background and learning goals.
Examples of 2018 Summer Projects
Interns supported instrument testing for planetary missions, data processing for Earth observation satellites, and prototype testing for life support systems. These hands-on contributions connected directly to active NASA missions and research objectives.
Compensation, Location, and Logistics
Stipends, Hours, and Center Variations
Stipends were tiered based on education level and center location, with higher rates in high-cost areas. Interns typically worked 40 hours per week and followed center-specific safety and onboarding requirements.
Travel, Housing, and Onboarding
Some centers provided relocation allowances or reimbursement for local transit. New interns completed security clearances, workplace safety training, and laboratory-specific briefings before starting independent project work.
Pathways to Full-Time Careers at NASA
The summer 2018 internship program connected high-performing interns with full-time opportunities through the NASA Pathways Program. Engaging in challenging assignments, receiving strong mentor feedback, and demonstrating mission-focused impact increased the likelihood of receiving conversion offers.
- Verify U.S. citizenship and academic enrollment before starting the application.
- Tailor your résumé and essays to highlight relevant skills and project experiences.
- Apply early to meet deadlines and secure preferred center placements.
- Prepare for interviews by practicing behavioral and technical questions related to your discipline.
- Plan for onboarding requirements such as security clearances and safety training.
- Network with mentors and peers to maximize learning and future career connections.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many hours per week did NASA interns typically work in summer 2018?
Most interns committed to a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, aligning with the expectations of their project teams and mentors.
Were international students allowed to apply for NASA internships in summer 2018?
No, the program required U.S. citizenship, and international students were not eligible to apply for these positions.
Was housing guaranteed for NASA interns in 2018, and how was it arranged?
Housing was not guaranteed at every center; where available, it was often provided in NASA-owned dormitories or through partnered apartment complexes near the facility.
Could previous internship alumni reapply in summer 2018, and were they given preference?
Alumni were eligible to reapply, but there was no formal preference; each application was reviewed on its current merit, qualifications, and project fit.