NASA Glenn Research Center Shadowing Days
The NASA Glenn Shadowing Days Program is a series of one-day events hosted by NASA Glenn Research Center that is designed to allow high school and college students to explore career opportunities in STEM as well as business.
EVENT Dates
March – May 2027
EVENT Location
Cleveland, OH
Eligibility
Open to U.S. Citizen and Legal Permanent Resident Students
grade levels
High School and College Students
About the Program
The Shadowing Program at NASA Glenn Research Center allows you to step behind the scenes and get a firsthand look at one of the world’s premier research facilities. Throughout the day, you will be paired with a NASA expert to explore state-of-the-art testing facilities and gain insight into what a career at NASA is like.
This opportunity is open to high school and college students, including students enrolled in vocational, technical, or trade schools, and community colleges. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders). More details on eligibility are found in the sections below. This program is only available in-person.
Dates for Skilled Trades, Engineering, and Business Shadowing Opportunities
- March 18, 2027
- April 22, 2027
- May 20, 2027
2026-2027 Timeline
All dates are subject to change.
- Oct. 23, 2026: Shadowing Applications Open
- March 1, 2027: Shadowing Application Closes for the March 18 Shadowing Day
- April 5, 2027: Shadowing Application Closes for the April 22 Shadowing Day
- May 3, 2027: Shadowing Application Closes for the May 20 Shadowing Day
Note: Acceptance emails will be delivered two weeks prior to the shadowing date.
Eligibility
High school students must be at least 16 years old by their shadowing opportunity date and enrolled in their junior or senior year of high school. Students must be in good academic standing and interested in pursuing careers in aerospace including aerospace skilled trades.
Students ages 16-17 must enter a parent or guardian’s email address as part of the application process. An email will be sent to the parent or guardian’s email address with instructions for approving the student’s application.
To apply, please include the following:
- Download and fill out the appropriate Media Release Form and include as a Supporting Document (PDF or image) in your application submission on NASA STEM Gateway.
- Prepare a short essay (maximum 2500 characters, 12pt font) that describes why you want to participate in this shadowing experience. This essay should be uploaded as a Supporting Document (Word or PDF) in your application. The essay should address the following:
- What career field are you interested in shadowing at NASA Glenn Research Center?
- What would you like to achieve through participation in this program?
- How would this opportunity impact your future?
For this short essay, we want to hear your authentic voice. Please do not use Large Language Models (LLMs) or generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude) to write or draft your response. We are evaluating your genuine interest and personal goals, not the perfection of an AI-generated text.
- Download the High School Shadowing Acknowledgment Form. Your principal or counselor must sign the form to acknowledge your potential participation during school time. Include this file as a Supporting Document (PDF or image) in your application submission on NASA STEM Gateway.
Links for the Shadowing Day opportunities are found below:
College students must be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university, including community colleges and technical or trade schools. Students must be in good academic standing and pursuing a degree or certification/licensure in at least one of the career areas listed below:
Skilled Trades: Electricians and Electronics, Welding, Fabrication, Machinist, Tool & Die, Instrumentation, Engineering Technicians and Computer/IT Technicians, and/or Cryogenics.
Engineering: Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Nuclear Engineering.
Business: Management, Finance, or Accounting.
To apply, please include the following:
- Download and fill out the appropriate Media Release Form and include as a Supporting Document (PDF or image) in your application submission on NASA STEM Gateway.
- Prepare a short essay (maximum 2500 characters, 12pt font) that describes why you want to participate in this shadowing experience. This essay should be uploaded as a Supporting Document (Word or PDF) in the application. The essay should address the following:
- What career field are you interested in shadowing at NASA Glenn Research Center?
- What would you like to achieve through participation in this program?
- How would this opportunity impact your future?
For this short essay, we want to hear your authentic voice. Please do not use Large Language Models (LLMs) or generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude) to write or draft your response. We are evaluating your genuine interest and personal goals, not the perfection of an AI-generated text.
Links for the Shadowing Day opportunities are found below:
Applying in NASA STEM Gateway
All applications will be processed on NASA STEM Gateway, an online portal that connects students, educators, and the public to NASA-related opportunities. We recommend you register for an account well before the submission deadline.
To apply, click on the date under the career field that you would like to shadow at NASA Glenn Research Center. You may submit applications for multiple dates; however, you should only apply to the career field which most closely aligns to your primary area of interest.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection for a shadowing experience. The number of students selected for shadowing experiences is limited to the number of available mentors each day. Acceptance letters will therefore be sent out two weeks prior to the shadowing date.
Contact Us
Catherine Graves, Ph.D.
Office of STEM Engagement
NASA Glenn Research Center
Email: grc-ed-opportunities@mail.nasa.gov
