Landing a NASA Internship as a High Schooler: 6 Opportunities to Explore

Have you ever looked up at the stars and imagined yourself working at NASA?

For many students, a career in space science starts with a dream—but it’s through action, preparation, and programs like internships that those dreams become a reality. While it’s true that landing a NASA internship is competitive, high school students have more opportunities than ever to get involved early.

From building hardware for the International Space Station to collaborating with NASA scientists, high schoolers can participate in programs that not only expose them to cutting-edge research but also open doors to future roles in aerospace, engineering, and planetary science.

In this guide, we’ll explore six excellent NASA-affiliated opportunities, along with practical advice on how to strengthen your application and build a profile that stands out.

1. High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)

Overview:
Offered by NASA’s Johnson Space Center in collaboration with the Texas Space Grant Consortium, the High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program is one of NASA’s flagship high school programs. It blends virtual STEM learning with an immersive, hands-on experience at NASA.

Students first complete a self-paced, online curriculum that covers topics in space exploration, Earth science, and NASA missions. Top performers are then invited to a week-long summer experience working with NASA engineers and scientists.

Why It’s Great for High Schoolers:

• Direct mentorship from NASA professionals
• Real-world problem-solving and mission design
• A pathway to future internship and research opportunities

Tip: Highlight strong grades in STEM subjects and a clear passion for space exploration in your application.

2. NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS)

Overview:
While designed for community college students, the NCAS program is an option for dual-enrolled high school students or those planning ahead. NCAS combines online coursework with a chance to participate in on-site team-based engineering challenges at a NASA center.

Participants gain firsthand exposure to NASA careers, working in groups to solve engineering problems and build mock space missions.

Why It’s Great for Motivated Students:

• Real-world aerospace exposure
• Team collaboration and communication skills
• Introduction to NASA’s core values and mission directorates

Tip: Even if you’re not eligible yet, keep this program on your radar as you transition into higher education.

3. NASA HUNCH Program

Overview:
HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) is a hands-on, school-year-long program where high school students design and fabricate hardware used on the International Space Station (ISS).

Participants work directly with engineers and astronauts to solve problems and prototype real components, ranging from storage solutions to crew safety devices.

Why It’s Great for Aspiring Engineers and Designers:

• You’ll work on projects that may be flown to the ISS
• Emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving
• Boosts technical skills like CAD, fabrication, and presentation

Tip: Schools need to be HUNCH-partners to participate—speak to your science teacher or counselor to see if your school is eligible or can join.

4. NASA Internships and Fellowships

Overview:
NASA offers a centralized platform for paid internship opportunities, even for high school students. These positions are typically research- or project-based, and allow students to work under the guidance of NASA mentors on planetary science, data analysis, software engineering, and other specialties.

While most internships are for college students, motivated high school students—especially juniors and seniors—can apply to select internships during the summer or academic year.

Why It’s Great for Aspiring Researchers:

• Direct collaboration with NASA scientists and researchers
• Work on missions involving robotics, astronomy, AI, and more
• A solid launchpad for future academic or career pursuits in aerospace

Tip: Build a strong resume that includes research experience, strong STEM performance, and letters of recommendation.

5. One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI)

Overview:
Although now integrated into NASA’s main internship portal, the One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) remains a crucial tool for exploring a wide range of NASA internships, fellowships, and scholarship opportunities.

By creating a profile on NASA’s Internship and Fellowships portal, you’ll be able to filter opportunities by age, education level, area of interest, and NASA center.

Why It’s Great for Everyone:

• Centralized access to all NASA internship listings
• Tools to track application progress and get notifications
• Opportunities across disciplines, from software to aerospace

Tip: Use OSSI to identify multiple programs and apply to more than one to maximize your chances.

6. NASA L'SPACE Virtual Academy

Overview:
Managed by Arizona State University in collaboration with NASA, the L'SPACE Program is a free, 12-week online academy for students interested in planetary science, systems engineering, and NASA’s mission planning process.

Participants work in teams to develop mission proposals and design solutions, gaining skills in communication, proposal writing, and systems thinking.

Why It’s Great for Future Planetary Scientists:

• Collaborative, project-based learning
• NASA-style proposal development experience
• Mentorship from professionals in the space industry

Tip: L'SPACE is open to high school juniors and seniors, especially those with a passion for the intersection of science and engineering.

How to Strengthen Your NASA Internship Application

Getting selected for a NASA program is no small feat. Here’s how to improve your chances:

1. Build Your Resume Early

Start participating in STEM competitions, space camps, or science fairs to show your dedication to space science.

2. Take Challenging Courses

Enroll in AP Physics, Calculus, Robotics, or Computer Science to build a strong academic foundation.

3. Engage in Research

Work on independent or mentored research projects that align with NASA’s goals—such as planetary science, climate change, robotics, or engineering.

4. Get Letters of Recommendation

Seek recommendations from STEM teachers or mentors who can speak to your curiosity, work ethic, and potential.

5. Be Authentic in Your Essays

Write personal statements that reflect your real interests, goals, and experiences. NASA values passion and purpose.

Join the Nova Scholar Research Program

If you're serious about standing out for a NASA internship, Nova Scholar offers high school students the opportunity to collaborate on space and science-related research projects under the mentorship of experienced scholars.

Nova Scholar helps students:

• Work on real-world research topics
• Learn how to write and present a formal research paper
• Strengthen their academic portfolio with publishable work

Whether you’re interested in space policy, satellite engineering, or planetary exploration, Nova Scholar is a powerful step toward making your NASA dream a reality.

Reaching for the Stars: Your NASA Journey Begins Now

NASA internships may sound like an out-of-this-world opportunity—but with the right preparation, they’re well within reach for high school students who are curious, passionate, and driven.

Whether you’re building hardware for the ISS through HUNCH, presenting mission concepts in L'SPACE, or conducting guided research with Nova Scholar, every experience brings you closer to a future in aerospace or space science.

So don’t wait. Start exploring, apply boldly, and take that first giant leap toward your own NASA journey.