Attention Arizona Undergraduate Students:
Apply for our new Space Industry Internship Program!
The Space Industry Internship Program, part of the Arizona Space Grant Consortium, offers an exceptional opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in Arizona’s growing space sector. This NASA-funded program connects undergraduate students with small to mid-sized companies in the space industry, where they can apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges while developing practical skills essential for their future careers.
Interns are placed in positions aligned with their field of study and career interests, allowing them to engage in meaningful, project-based work that brings their education to life. Participants gain valuable insight into what it’s like to work in the space industry, all while expanding their professional networks and building technical and workplace competencies.
Interns must be full-time students at one of our affiliated Arizona institutions. Interns will work 10 hours per week at their designated industry site, and will receive $20 per hour during the spring semester (18-week) program. We are committed to supporting a diverse cohort of students who are dedicated, curious, and ready to contribute—no aerospace background required. Students from all STEM disciplines and those with a strong interest in STEM are encouraged to apply.
This program is more than an internship—it’s a launchpad. Interns selected for this award will join a dynamic community, gain mentorship, receive hands-on training, and make meaningful contributions to Arizona’s space workforce.
Ready for the challenge?
Apply during the next open application cycle and take the first step toward your future in the space industry.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Coe, Arizona Space Grant Program Manager, at PG4gdWVycz0iem52eWdiOnpucGJyQG5ldm1iYW4ucnFoIj56bnBickBuZXZtYmFuLnJxaDwvbj4=.
Future Interns & Mentors
Applications will be open from November 24 - December 5, 2025.
Please read our Industry Partner Overview tab below to review eligibility and FAQs. Please review our Matching Interns with Industry Partners tab below for more information on the review, selection, and matching process for interns and industry partners.
*The official application is not yet open. For a preview of what to expect, please view this PDF Download.
Applications will be open from December 15, 2025 - January 5, 2026.
Please read our Intern Overview tab below to review intern eligibility and FAQs. Please review our Matching Interns with Industry Partners tab below for more information on the review, selection, and matching process for interns and industry partners.
*The official application is not yet open. For a preview of what to expect, please view this PDF Download.
Student Application Instructions & Available Projects
1. Scroll down this page to view the list of available industry placements for Spring 2026.
2. Click the “Project Description” link for more details about each industry internship.
3. Identify the internship(s) you are interested in (you can list up to 5 on your online application).
5. Fill out your online student application using the Qualtrics link above!
| Mentor | Location | Project Title | Project Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coming soon! |
The Space Industry Internship is just one of the many programs that AZSGC offers. The goals of the Space Industry Internship Program are to provide relevant, career-aligned experiences to our Arizona students while continuing to meet NASA Mission Directorate needs. This program seeks to provide students with applied, industry-focused opportunities that lead directly to employment. Arizona’s thriving space industry is well positioned to meet this demand and provide meaningful, career-aligned experiences.
Eligibility
We are seeking student applicants that meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Naturalized Citizen per NASA (federal) funding requirements.
- A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- Enrolled in 9 units or more for the duration of the Spring 2026 semester at an Arizona Space Grant affiliated school. Eligible schools include:
- Arizona State University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
- Northern Arizona University
- The University of Arizona
- Arizona Western College
- Central Arizona College
- Dine College
- Glendale Community College
- Phoenix College
- Pima Community College
- Tohono O'odham Community College
- Applicants must reside in the state of Arizona, even if they hold a virtual internship, and must attend the Space Grant Symposium in-person on April 17-18, 2026 in Scottsdale, AZ.
- Transportation reimbursement, plus hotel and meals, will be provided.
- Interns are subject to their industry placement's employment requirements, which may include passing a drug test and/or background test.
- Applicants may not hold a concurrent Arizona Space Grant internship or NASA Center internship in Spring 2026.
- ASCEND program scholars may apply to the program.
Start-End Dates & Work Hours
The Space Industry Internship runs throughout the Spring 2026 semester. Interns will begin work with their industry mentor approximately on January 19, 2026 through May 22, 2026 for a total of 18-weeks. During the program, Space Industry Interns are expected to work 10 hours per week. Interns' weekly hours may fluctuate and work schedules can be built around their class schedule and the needs of the project/mentor. However, we expect interns to reach a total of 180 completed work hours within the program start-end dates.
*This is an 18-week internship program. Please note, this is the first pilot year of this program. Typical program duration will be for a full academic year and run from the first week of September to the first week of May for a 35-week program.
Internship Award & Payments
During the program, Space Industry Interns are expected to work 10 hours per week for a total of 180 hours during this 18-week internship. Interns will receive $20 per hour and are expected to receive a total of $3,600. Payments will be made in monthly installments via direct deposit from the National Space Grant Foundation. Note, payment will not be received as bi-weekly paychecks from your local Space Industry placement.
What to Expect
Industry partners will apply to the program, and all applications and placements will be reviewed and approved by the Space Grant selection committee to confirm they are appropriate for a Space Industry intern. Then, industry opportunities are posted on the Space Grant website and interns may submit their applications for review. Interns may list up to 5 industry partners that they are interested in working with.
Intern applications are reviewed immediately after the deadline by the selection committee. The committee will select top-ranked student applicants and then provide industry partners with 2-3 top-ranked candidates. Industry partners may require a short phone or virtual interview before confirming their intern placement.
Once confirmed by the industry partner, interns are notified of their award. Interns must accept their award by the given deadline, or the offer may be retracted and given to the next highest-ranked applicant.
During the course of the internship, interns will be required to attend a virtual orientation with Space Grant management, and will periodically be required to check-in with Space Grant management throughout the program. Interns must also respond to various program requests such as evaluation and reporting needs.
This program's success largely depends on an intern and industry partner working together to build a clear outline of responsibilities, setting up consistent forms of communication and regular meeting times, and setting weekly goals that are then followed up on each week. While the intern's responsibilities may change over time, it is important to have both short and long-term goals clearly defined and written down.
Industry partners will provide interns with 10 hours per week of meaningful industry work to help them build skills and gain knowledge in the field. Additional goals and requirements will be defined and agreed upon by intern/industry matches when they establish a working relationship at the beginning of the program.
Towards the end of the program, Space Industry Interns are required to attend the Arizona Space Grant Consortium's Statewide Student Research Symposium.
Timeline of Program Year
November 24 - December 5, 2025: Industry partner applications are submitted. Work descriptions are posted on the Space Grant website for intern applicants to review.
December 15, 2025 - January 5, 2026: Intern applications are submitted.
January 12-16, 2026: Interns notified of selection for the program; must respond to confirm their participation by given deadline. Interviews are conducted, if required by industry partner.
January 19, 2026: Intern and industry orientation; internship officially begins.
April 17-18, 2026: Interns must attend the AZSGC Statewide Student Research Symposium in Scottsdale, AZ.
May 22, 2026: Conclusion of internship. Final check-in with Space Grant management.
Is this program virtual or in person?
Internships may be virtual, in person, or a combination of both. On the industry partner application, applicants are asked to describe work tasks and location of work so that the Space Grant Committee may match an intern to those needs and requirements. Once matched, interns and industry partners may work together to come up with a schedule that works for them during the program. Please note that if you are an online student and/or if your internship is virtual, you must reside in Arizona and you must attend the Statewide Student Research Symposium; this is an in-person event with no virtual component.
Overview
An undergraduate internship can be a pivotal experience in shaping the future of aspiring scientists and engineers. It offers students valuable insight into the realities of working in STEM fields, helping them make informed decisions about their career paths. A positive, hands-on internship—especially one guided by a dedicated mentor—can play a critical role in keeping talented students engaged and inspired to stay on the STEM path.
As a Space Grant industry partner, you have a unique opportunity to influence and empower Arizona’s next generation of STEM professionals. By mentoring a bright, motivated student, you not only contribute to their development but also gain support for your own work and project goals. It's a rewarding partnership with lasting impact—for the student, for you, and for the broader STEM community.
Industry Partner Eligibility
Arizona-based space industry companies that do not currently offer a robust internal internship program. Industry partners must be able to consistently provide 10 hours of work per week, January - May (180 hours total). The work should be suitable for undergraduate and community college students new to industry and designed to help them develop new skills, strengthen existing ones, build professional networks, and gain meaningful insight into a potential career with the company.
Industry partners must be prepared to integrate interns into their teams immediately. This includes having projects and necessary materials ready to share from day one. Delays due to background checks, security clearances, or building access can significantly reduce the impact of an already short internship program.
What the Industry Partner Provides
Potential industry partners must work on research projects that relate to one or more NASA Mission Directorates (MDs). However, please note that NASA's research interests are broad and relate to many STEM fields. Industry partners must also be able to provide 10 hours per week (January - May) of meaningful work appropriate for an undergraduate or community college student. Interns must be able to contact a mentor at the company as needed and should have one-on-one meetings with a mentor at least once a week. Industry partners may work collaboratively with a team to provide a more robust mentorship experience to an intern. Mentors do not need to be the only individual mentoring an intern; this can be indicated in the industry partner application.
This program's success largely depends on a company providing a clear outline of responsibilities to an intern, setting up consistent forms of communication to allow an intern the space to ask questions, involving interns in team meetings, and setting weekly goals with interns that are then followed up on each week. While the tasks and the intern's responsibilities may change over time, it is important to have both short and long-term goals clearly defined and written down.
Internship Stipends
The Space Industry Internship Program is funded by the NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project. During the program, Space Industry Interns are expected to work 10 hours per week for a total of 180 hours during this 18-week internship. Interns will receive $20 per hour and are expected to receive a total of $3,600 from Arizona Space Grant. Payments will be made to interns in monthly installments via direct deposit from the National Space Grant Foundation.
Deadlines, Events, & Other Commitments
Industry partners are expected to attend a 1-hour orientation at the beginning of the program year (January), provide confirmation of an intern's completed work hours, and will be asked to attend a program de-brief and feedback discussion at the end of the program in May.
In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, industry partners are expected to offer comprehensive guidance and support to give interns a meaningful understanding of what it's like to work at their company. Interns should complete the internship having developed new skills, enhanced existing ones, and expanded their professional network.
Industry partners will also be invited to attend the AZSGC Statewide Student Research Symposium in April of each year. Industry partners are strongly encouraged to share updates with the Space Grant team, including things that are going well and especially things that aren't, so that our team can follow up and make sure both intern and partner are having a successful program year. We also encourage industry partners to send updates about their intern; highlight stories with photos are much appreciated. Continued connection through social media, our newsletter, and attending annual events beyond the program year is also encouraged and appreciated.
Timeline of Program Year
November 24 - December 5, 2025: Industry partner applications are submitted. Work descriptions are posted on the Space Grant website for intern applicants to review.
December 15, 2025 - January 5, 2026: Intern applications are submitted.
January 12-16, 2026: Interns and industry partners are notified of selection for the program; must respond to confirm their participation by given deadline. Interviews are conducted, if required by industry partner.
January 19, 2026: Intern and industry partner orientation; internship officially begins.
April 17-18, 2026: Interns must attend the AZSGC Statewide Student Research Symposium in Tempe, AZ.
May 22, 2026: Conclusion of internship. Final check-in with Space Grant management.
What does Space Grant provide?
Space Grant offers 35+ years of successful internship program experience to both interns and mentors. The Space Grant Program provides a foundation for which interns may apply for a paid work experience and be matched with local industry partners and space industries that do not typically offer internships. Space Grant committee members review intern applications so that industry partners are matched with highly ranked undergraduate and community college students that fit their project needs and requirements to the best of their ability. Space Grant performs all payroll management, removing the administrative burden from the mentor/company.
Space Grant provides a support system of not only program staff that frequently check-in, hold office hours, meet with the interns, and more, but also of student peer advisors that offer your intern support. Space Grant provides weekly opportunity emails, additional NASA-sponsored events and programs only open to Space Grant students, and organizes monthly group events.
Space Grant management will hold orientation sessions at the start of the year to help prepare students for their internship, and will provide interns with resources and tools needed for a successful year. Space Grant management will hold Symposium abstract and PowerPoint workshops to help prepare interns for this event, if a student is presenting.
How many Space Grant interns may I work with?
One of Space Grant's goals is to have diversity within our mentors and diversity within the industry placements we are supporting. The Space Grant Committee will typically not match a mentor/company with more than 1 intern during this pilot program.
Is this program virtual or in person?
Internships may be virtual, in person, or a combination of both. On the industry partner application, partners are asked to describe work tasks and location of work so that the Space Grant Committee may match an intern to those needs and requirements. Once matched, interns and industry partners may work together to come up with a schedule that works for them during the program.
Review & Matching Process
Both interns and industry partners must apply by the given deadline to participate in this program. Industry work descriptions/positions are then posted online for interns to review ahead of submitting their application.
Intern applications are reviewed immediately after the deadline by the selection committee. The committee will select top-ranked student applicants and then provide industry partners with 2-3 top-ranked candidates for consideration. Industry partners may require a short phone or virtual interview before confirming their intern placement.
Once confirmed by the industry partner, interns are notified of their award. Interns must accept their award by the given deadline, or the offer may be retracted and given to the next highest-ranked applicant.