NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) offers students interested in building experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics a range of internship, research and educational opportunities.

JPL’s Academic Engagement Office manages numerous internship opportunities across STEM fields, giving eligible students the opportunity to identify programmes suited to their academic level, interests and availability. The opportunities listed by JPL include year-round internships, summer internships, visiting student research programmes, partner programmes and specialised workshops.

The opportunities span undergraduate and graduate levels, while some specialised programmes are also available to doctoral students, postdoctoral participants and educators.

For students aspiring to gain exposure to research, technology and STEM careers, the JPL programmes provide several pathways worth exploring.

About NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is closely associated with NASA’s scientific and technological work and provides educational opportunities designed to connect students with STEM fields.

Through JPL Education and its Academic Engagement Office, students can explore internship programmes and other learning opportunities related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Rather than offering only one internship pathway, JPL presents several programmes designed for different academic levels and periods of the year.

This means prospective applicants should carefully review the individual programme that best matches their academic status, interests and availability before applying.

What Are the JPL Internship Programs?

JPL’s internship opportunities encompass multiple programmes rather than a single internship.

The Academic Engagement Office specifically manages internship opportunities in:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics

The programmes listed by JPL include opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, while additional partner programmes and workshops broaden the options available to other groups.

Applicants should note that requirements, schedules and application procedures may differ considerably between programmes. Students should therefore review the individual programme information rather than assuming that the eligibility criteria for one JPL opportunity apply to every programme.

JPL Year-Round Internship Program

One of the opportunities listed is the JPL Year-Round Internship Program.

The programme is identified as being available to:

• Undergraduate students
• Graduate students

Unlike an internship restricted to a particular season, JPL lists the session for this programme as “Any,” indicating that the opportunity is structured as a year-round programme rather than solely as a summer placement.

This can make the programme particularly relevant to students who want to investigate opportunities outside the conventional summer internship period.

Prospective applicants should consult the individual Year-Round Internship Program page for the current eligibility requirements, openings, application instructions and relevant deadlines.

JPL Summer Internship Program

Students specifically seeking a summer experience can explore the JPL Summer Internship Program.

JPL lists this programme for:

• Undergraduate students
• Graduate students

The designated session is Summer.

A summer programme may be especially attractive to students who want to incorporate an internship into their academic journey during the period between academic terms.

Applicants should review the programme’s dedicated page to determine current requirements and application dates before submitting an application.

JPL Visiting Student Research Program

JPL also lists the JPL Visiting Student Research Program, providing another pathway for students interested in research-oriented opportunities.

According to the programme directory, the Visiting Student Research Program is available at the:

• Undergraduate level
• Graduate level

The session is listed as “Any,” rather than being restricted to summer.

Students interested in research should examine the programme-specific requirements to determine whether their academic background and circumstances meet the eligibility criteria.

JPL Partner Programs

JPL’s opportunities extend beyond programmes directly presented under the primary JPL internship section.

The Academic Engagement Office also works with outside universities and organisations to make additional internship positions at the laboratory possible.

These partner opportunities broaden the range of routes through which eligible students and other participants may engage with JPL.

Among the partner programmes listed are the Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship and the NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program.

Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

The Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is listed by JPL as a partner programme.

It is intended for:

• Undergraduate students

The programme session is:

• Summer

This provides undergraduate students with another research-focused pathway associated with opportunities at the laboratory.

Because this is a partner programme, prospective applicants should pay particular attention to the specific application procedures and requirements established for the fellowship.

NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program

The opportunities listed by JPL are not limited entirely to university students.

The NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program is listed for:

• Formal educators
• Informal educators

JPL directs prospective participants to the individual programme details for information about its session and other requirements.

This demonstrates that JPL’s broader educational ecosystem includes opportunities that can also support educators interested in STEM learning and research.

STEM Workshops Available Through JPL

In addition to internships and partner programmes, JPL highlights workshops designed to help students gain a deeper educational understanding of STEM careers.

According to JPL, these workshops are intended to provide students with an in-depth look at careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and help them define potential career paths.

Two programmes highlighted in this category are:

1. NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars
2. NASA Science Mission Design Schools

These programmes target different academic audiences.

NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars

The NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars programme is listed at the undergraduate academic level.

Students interested in this programme should consult its dedicated programme information for details regarding sessions, eligibility and participation requirements.

This programme represents another route through which undergraduate students can investigate educational experiences connected with NASA and aerospace-related STEM pathways.

NASA Science Mission Design Schools

JPL also lists NASA Science Mission Design Schools among its workshop opportunities.

This opportunity targets more advanced academic levels, including:

• Graduate students
• Doctoral students
• Postdoctoral participants

The JPL directory directs prospective applicants to the programme-specific details for session information.

This makes the programme particularly relevant to individuals who have progressed beyond the undergraduate stage and are seeking advanced educational experiences related to science missions.

NASA Internship Programs

In addition to the JPL-specific opportunities, the page directs students to the broader NASA Internship Programs.

NASA Internship Programs are listed for:

• Undergraduate students
• Graduate students

Sessions are available during:

• Fall
• Spring
• Summer

This gives students multiple periods during the academic year in which they may be able to explore NASA internship opportunities.

Students should distinguish between the individual JPL programmes and the broader NASA internship opportunities and review the relevant programme page before applying.

Academic Levels Covered by the Opportunities

Taken together, the programmes listed by JPL cover several academic and professional stages.

Depending on the specific opportunity, participants may include:

• Undergraduate students
• Graduate students
• Doctoral students
• Postdoctoral participants
• Formal educators
• Informal educators

However, these categories should not be interpreted as universal eligibility across all programmes.

For example, the JPL Summer Internship Program is listed for undergraduate and graduate students, while NASA Science Mission Design Schools extend to graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral levels.

Applicants must therefore select the appropriate programme first and then confirm its individual eligibility requirements.

When Are the JPL Internship Programs Offered?

Availability depends on the programme.

The JPL programme directory identifies several scheduling formats, including:

• Year-round/Any session: Some programmes, including the JPL Year-Round Internship Program and JPL Visiting Student Research Program, are listed under “Any.”
• Summer: The JPL Summer Internship Program and Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship are listed for summer.
• Fall, Spring and Summer: The broader NASA Internship Programs are listed across all three sessions.
• Programme-specific schedules: Certain workshops and partner programmes require applicants to consult their dedicated programme details.

Because programme schedules can differ, students should avoid relying on a single application timeline for all JPL opportunities.

How to Choose the Right JPL Program

With multiple programmes available, prospective applicants should begin by determining which opportunity corresponds most closely with their academic stage and objectives.

A useful approach is to:

1. Identify your academic level. Determine whether you fall into the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, postdoctoral or educator category.
2. Determine what type of experience you want. Consider whether you are looking for an internship, research experience, partner programme or educational workshop.
3. Consider your availability. Decide whether you need a summer programme, a year-round opportunity or another session.
4. Review the individual programme page. Programme-specific eligibility, application requirements and timelines may differ.
5. Prepare your application materials carefully. Follow the instructions for your selected programme rather than using assumptions based on another JPL opportunity.

Resources for Prospective JPL Interns

JPL provides additional resources to help students understand internship opportunities and prepare their applications.

JPL Internships FAQ

Students who have questions about the internship process can consult JPL’s Internships FAQ, which provides answers to commonly asked questions about JPL internship programmes.

Reviewing the FAQ before applying may help candidates better understand programme expectations and resolve common questions.

How to Get a JPL Internship

JPL also provides a guide titled How to Get a JPL Internship.

The resource is designed to introduce prospective applicants to the world of JPL internships and provide guidance on positioning themselves for internship opportunities.

Students considering an application should review this resource as part of their preparation.

Resume Guidelines

A strong resume can be an important component of internship preparation.

JPL’s Academic Engagement Office provides Resume Guidelines containing tips and best practices for writing an effective resume.

Applicants can use these guidelines when preparing or reviewing their resume before applying to an appropriate opportunity.

Additional Opportunities for Students and Researchers

Students who do not find a suitable opportunity among the main programmes can also explore additional resources highlighted by JPL.

These include:

• Opportunities for students through JPL Careers
• Caltech Student-Faculty Programs
• JPL Postdoctoral Programs
• JPL Careers
• Careers at NASA

JPL specifically provides links to its careers platform, Caltech’s Student-Faculty Programs and JPL’s postdoctoral programmes as additional routes for individuals seeking relevant opportunities.

How to Apply for JPL Internship Opportunities

There is not one universal application process described on the supplied JPL programme directory for every opportunity listed.

Instead, prospective candidates should:

1. Visit JPL’s Explore Programs & Apply directory.
2. Review the available JPL programmes, partner programmes, workshops and NASA programmes.
3. Select the opportunity matching their academic level.
4. Open the individual programme page.
5. Carefully review its current eligibility requirements and programme details.
6. Check the applicable session and application timeline.
7. Prepare any materials required by that specific programme.
8. Follow the programme’s official application instructions.

Applicants should rely on the requirements displayed for the specific programme they intend to pursue.

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Application Deadline

There is no single application deadline stated on the supplied JPL Explore Programs & Apply page.

This is important because the page covers numerous programmes with different sessions and programme structures.

Some opportunities are listed as year-round, some operate during summer, while broader NASA internships are available in fall, spring and summer. Applicants should therefore visit the individual programme page to identify the applicable application deadline and confirm that applications are currently being accepted.

Why Students Should Explore the JPL Programs

For students pursuing STEM education, the breadth of opportunities presented through JPL makes the programme directory worth exploring.

Rather than limiting students to one pathway, the directory brings together:

• Year-round internship opportunities
• Summer internships
• Visiting student research opportunities
• Partner research programmes
• Opportunities for educators
• Undergraduate STEM workshops
• Advanced programmes for graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral participants
• Broader NASA internship programmes
• Internship preparation resources
• Additional JPL and Caltech opportunities

The variety allows prospective participants to search for an opportunity based on their current academic level, career goals and availability.

Conclusion

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory offers a broad collection of internship, research and educational pathways for people interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Through the JPL Academic Engagement Office, undergraduate and graduate students can explore the JPL Year-Round Internship Program, JPL Summer Internship Program and JPL Visiting Student Research Program. Partner opportunities add further pathways, while specialised workshops extend the programme landscape to additional academic groups and educators.

Students can also explore NASA Internship Programs, which are listed for undergraduate and graduate students during fall, spring and summer sessions.

Because these opportunities have different academic levels, schedules and programme structures, applicants should carefully review the individual programme that interests them before applying. The supplied programme directory does not state one universal deadline, so candidates should check the official programme-specific pages for current application periods, requirements and deadlines.

For students seeking to build their experience in STEM and explore opportunities connected with NASA and JPL, the Explore Programs & Apply directory provides a valuable starting point for identifying the programme that best matches their academic and professional journey.

Visit the OFY website for more Internship Opportunities.