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SCaN Internship Project (SIP)

What is SIP?

The SCaN Internship Project (SIP) is a paid internship hosted by NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC; NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH; NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD; NASA’s White Sands Complex in White Sands, NM; and the Alaska Satellite Facility in Fairbanks, AK. SIP is open to students 16 or older who are pursuing a career in space communications and navigation, or have an interest in these areas. SIP is sponsored by the SCaN Policy and Strategic Communications (PSC) Office at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. SIP interns are selected and placed in projects for fall, spring, and summer.

The internship allows students to perform hands-on training with real mission scenarios, analyze powerful space communication systems, utilize network software tools, and effectively communicate their findings in a final presentation to NASA management. Each student is paired with an experienced, multi-disciplinary mentor who counsels the student with his/her work, and also engages with career planning.

Students are introduced to space communications and navigation knowledge and practices through their participation in the program. Each year, as the students’ knowledge matures, their corresponding NASA activities and training increase in complexity.

Why is SIP Important to NASA? 

  • Students offer fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
  • Students work on projects that can change the face of NASA.
  • Students are integrated with career professionals emphasizing mentor-directed, degree-related tasks while contributing to the operation of a NASA facility or the advancement of NASA’s missions. 
  • NASA actively promotes STEM careers, and SIP is in line with NASA’s message and vision.
     
Photo of a group of SIP interns
Interns at Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops, VA.
NASA

Educational Paths Include:

  • Aerospace Engineering 
  • Applied Physics 
  • Astronautical Engineering 
  • Computer Science/Engineering 
  • Electrical Engineering 
  • Finance 
  • Graphic Design 
  • Information Technology 
  • Mathematics 
  • Software Engineering
  • Space Policy
  • Strategic Communications 
  • Systems Engineering 
  • …and more!
     

Eligibility Requirements:

  • U.S. citizenship
  • GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • At least 16 years at the time of application
  • High school students: Students must have completed their freshman year.
  • Undergraduate or graduate students: Enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at an accredited college or university. Educators are also encouraged to apply. 
  • Student stipends are intended to cover all costs of transportation, food, and lodging. 
     

Apply!

  • Visit this link to learn more about internship opportunities and the application process. 
  • Apply for internships on the NASA STEM Gateway
  • Search for keyword ‘SCaN’ or ‘SIP’

Articles about SCaN Interns:
From High School Physics to Quantum Research
NASA Interns Extending Internetworking Off-World
NASA Interns Name New Orion Communications System
From Quantum Optics to Increased Risk Posture: Student Innovations at NASA
Interns Create Dynamic Visualization of NASA’s Space-to-Ground Communications Resources
The ‘Invisible Network’ Podcast – 2021 Interns 
 
Have additional questions? Reach out to the SCaN team at scan@nasa.gov

Glenn Research Center SCaN SIP
Goddard Space Flight Center SCaN SIP