Undergraduate Application Information

The 2023-24 ASU/NASA Space Grant application is now closed. Complete this form if you would like to be notified when the call for 2024-25 applications opens.

ASU/NASA SPACE GRANT UNDERGRADUATE INTERNSHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION

The ASU/NASA Space Grant Program employs approximately 30-50 undergraduate students for the academic year, working alongside upper-level graduate students, diverse faculty members, as well as scientists and engineers. Undergraduate interns will be paid a stipend with a value of ~$1700 per semester ($3400 for the academic year) following the ASU bi-weekly pay period schedule.

The program supports undergraduates by giving them opportunities to earn money while gaining valuable experience participating in research projects and educational outreach activities. NASA Space Grant seeks applications from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. 

We also encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups.

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY:

  • All applicants must be U.S. citizens
  • All applicants must be full-time students, sophomore or higher beginning Fall semester 2023

Mentor Selection

Students are highly encouraged to have a faculty mentor selected prior to submitting an application.  If you do not have a mentor, look for information about ASU faculty interests in areas that match your interests.  If you find a mentor with a project of interest, respectfully approach the individual to see if they would be willing to serve as your mentor in the Space Grant program. This should be a mutually agreed upon collaboration.  Current and potential mentors must also submit an application and request you as a prospective student.

Tips for Selecting a Project/Faculty Match

Selecting a research project is an exercise in matching your interest and academic background with a project that a faculty mentor agrees to work with you on.  There are a couple of approaches we recommend:

A project/faculty match can be made when:

  • a faculty member identifies a student they want to work with on a project
  • a student identifies a faculty member who is working in a research area of interest
  • a research project is posted by a faculty member who is looking to fill a position 

A list of research opportunities can be found on the Undergraduate Research Opportunities website.  This list is updated as positions come available so check back if you do not find a project of interest.

Please note, these positions are open to anyone to apply and are not specifically Space Grant positions.  If you find one of interest, we will collaborate with the mentor to discuss how it can be classified as a Space Grant position.  Keep in mind, regardless of the position, you must meet the eligibility requirements above to participate as a Space Grant intern.

Credit Hours

Interns should be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours during the internship. We strongly recommend against registering for more than 15 credits during the time of your award.  Participation in NASA Space Grant can be rigorous but executed successfully with proper time management.

Application Review Process

The Space Grant Steering Committee reviews undergraduate internship and mentor applications and makes award selections before fall semester begins.  The Steering Committee matches undergraduate interns to mentors. While it is acceptable to submit an application without a named mentor, for maximum consideration, please identify a mentor and project before applying. For students who are awarded with no mentor, the Steering Committee will make the best possible match. Both projects and students are selected by the Steering Committee for appropriateness to the program, alignment with NASA Mission Directorates (MD) and overall program balance.

NASA Mission Directorates (MD)

Research projects must align with one of NASA’s Mission Directorates (MD).  This is not difficult since a large number of projects automatically fit into one of five categories:

  • Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)
  • Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD)
  • Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD)
  • Science Mission Directorate (SMD)
  • Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)

When applying, you will need to indicate which MD your project most closely aligns.  The list of MDs is not exhaustive therefore if you have questions regarding where your project fits or you have not yet secured a project, select the “Help” option and if your application is selected, we will contact you to assist.

Visit this page for a list of NASA’s Mission Directorates and their descriptions. 

IN ADDITION AN INTERNSHIP PROJECT, SPACE GRANT UNDERGRADUATE AWARDEES ARE REQUIRED TO:

  • Complete 15 hours of (unpaid) Informal Education fall semester and 5 hours spring semester
  • Participate in the annual ASU/NASA Space Grant poster session typically held in February
  • Present at the Arizona Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate Research Symposium typically held in April

Multiple Awards

Students are encouraged to apply for various research internships. If awarded multiple scholarships or internships, please note that Space Grant will not support a project supported by more than one scholarship/internship funding source for the exact same project.  Please address questions to the NASA Space Grant office if you need clarification on this policy.

Questions:  Contact Desiree D. Crawl, Coordinator Sr., ASU/NASA Space Grant, desiree.crawl@asu.edu