JPL SpaceSHIP (Summer High School Internship Program)

My High School Summer at JPL

Want to know what it's like to be an intern at JPL? Some high school students, including those on SpaceSHIP, share their experiences.

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We are no longer accepting applications for summer 2009. The online application for summer 2010 will be available in late November 2009.

Program Overview

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory Summer High School Internship Program (JPL SpaceSHIP) is an 8-week internship designed for high school students, age 16 or older, who have demonstrated a strong interest in and aptitude for science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics (STEM). One of JPL SpaceSHIP's objectives is to encourage pre-college students who have been traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields to consider such fields for their careers.

Students participating in JPL SpaceSHIP are provided an opportunity to do introductory research, work in a technical environment, and expand their computer skills under the guidance of NASA's science, engineering, and technical professionals. Here are some examples of past projects SpaceSHIP students worked on:

  • Develop strategies for social media web sites: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter- JPL missions and projects want to be part of social media too. Students worked with a variety of projects to create plans for connecting with the public on social media sites.
  • Work with databases and software: Several students tested and evaluated database systems. Another student helped develop procedures for software testing.
  • Evaluate and update data and computer models: Some students analyzed and classified science data. Others updated models for a future spacecraft's flight path.

Participants will also have an opportunity to develop and prepare written technical reports and abstracts, make a formal final presentation, interact with students from diverse cultural backgrounds and participate in numerous enrichment activities while earning a stipend for the internship.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL is the leading NASA Center for robotic exploration of the solar system. More information about JPL can be found at http://www.jpl.nasa.gov.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Students must be U.S. citizens
  • All participants must be at least 16 years old at the time of participation (June 28, 2010)
  • With the exception of the letters of recommendation, this application must be completed by the student and represent the student's own work
  • Student's home address must lie within a 50 mile radius of JPL's Oak Grove facility (4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109-8009)
  • All applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or above based on a 4.0 scale
  • Student application must provide evidence of interest in and aptitude for science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics

Finalists will be interviewed prior to selection. Selected students are responsible for their own transportation to and from JPL and if under the age of 18, must provide a work permit.

Internship Information

Program Duration

  • 8 weeks
  • June 28 - August 20, 2010
  • Student participation is required for the entire duration of the internship
  • Stipend $3,000 per internship (taxable)

Location of Internship

All internship activities take place at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California unless otherwise specified. If there will be an off-site field trip, interns and their parents/guardians will be notified in advance.

Application Process & Submission Deadline

  1. Complete the on-line application by 11:59PM PST February 16, 2010:
    • Personal & High School Information
    • A 300-word essay
    • Summary of science, technology, engineering and math classes taken
    • Summary of awards, activities and computer skills
  2. Submit these documents via mail, postmarked no later than February 16, 2010:
    • Proof of U.S. citizenship. Please provide a copy of one of the following:
      • Valid U.S. passport (preferred document)
      • U.S. Naturalization Certificate
      • Birth Certificate
    • A signed Parental Acknowledgement/Permission Form
    • 2 signed letters of recommendation
    • Official transcripts
  3. Students will be notified 6-8 weeks after deadline.

Contact Information

Trisha Wheeler, Administrative Assistant
Minority Education Initiatives
(818) 393-6667
Trisha.D.Wheeler@jpl.nasa.gov

Jenny Tieu, Student Program Administrator
Minority Education Initiatives
(818) 393-5386
Jenny.Tieu@jpl.nasa.gov

David Seidel, Manager
Elementary & Secondary Education Programs
(818) 354-9313
David.M.Seidel@jpl.nasa.gov



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