What’s New

Now Open: Langley Student Volunteer Program Summer 2025 Registration
We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the upcoming Summer 2025 Langley Student Volunteer Program. This is a great opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and contribute meaningfully to our mission at NASA Langley Research Center.

Participation: In-Person Only
Registration Closes: End of Day (EST) on May 30, 2025.
Summer Session Dates: June 2, 2025 – August 29, 2025.

Please take a moment to read through each section carefully, as some of our
guidance have recently changed. Following the updated instructions will help
ensure a smooth application and onboarding process.

Program Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• Minimum of 16 years of age
• Current student enrolled at least half-time in high school, undergraduate or graduate programs at an accredited college or university (Applicants transitioning between high school and college are eligible if the institution will sign the paperwork that they are enrolled for an upcoming semester)
• Ability to volunteer services in-person at NASA Langley Research Center
  under the supervision of a Langley civil servant mentor.

About the NASA Langley Student Volunteer Program

The Langley Student Volunteer Program (LSVP) offers unpaid study-related work experience for students in a high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or a comparable recognized educational institution who are pursuing curricula in subject matter fields useful to NASA Langley and in which the work experience is beneficial to the career development of the student. Students may volunteer their services to NASA Langley Research Center, gain work experience and knowledge, and engage in early career exploration. The program will allow students to navigate project tasks under the guidance of NASA Langley’s experienced professionals, performing preprofessional duties pertinent to the subject matter field for which they are being trained. Student volunteers are exposed to the Federal work environment and learn about the missions and responsibilities of NASA Langley.

Student volunteers participating in LSVP may not be placed in the same organization as a family member or relative and cannot be enrolled in any other student programs while enrolled in LSVP.

Student Volunteers participating in LSVP are not considered to be a Federal employee for any purposes other than injury compensation or law related to the Tort Claims Act. Service is not creditable for leave accrual or any other employee benefit.

Getting Started: How to apply?

Only if you meet the requirements listed above, send an email to larc-svp@mail.nasa.gov with a cover letter and resume paying special attention to the below requirements. Resumes will only be accepted via the email address listed above or from an established NASA contact with established mentor.

Alternatively, any applicant with established NASA contacts can ask them to seek out a Langley civil servant mentor on their behalf in lieu of going through the program selection process. In this situation, be sure to send your resume with cover letter and completed enrollment forms to the NASA contact to be shared with potential mentors, and the LSVP Manager. The mentor must submit a complete student volunteer enrollment packet to larc-svp@mail.nasa.gov including in the subject line the session the student is enrolling (Ex. Langley Student Volunteer Program Summer 20xx Application).

I’ve got a mentor to work with! What Now?

Please use the links below to download the required enrollment forms for your application. Ensure that all forms are completed accurately and submitted as instructed.

• Download here: Student Volunteer Service Program Agreement
• Download here: Student Volunteer Service Program Working Agreement

Preparing Your Application and Cover Letter

• The student’s cover letter and resume should be submitted as a single document to larc svp@mail.nasa.gov, including in the subject line the session the student is enrolling in (Ex. Langley Student Volunteer Summer 20xx Application). This document should contain no personal identifying
  information aside from a name, preferred contact number, and valid email address where the student or parent can be reached.
• The student’s submission file name should contain the student’s area of
  interest, month of earliest available start, latest date of availability, and the
  student’s first initial and last name in that order. i.e. Avionics – May –
  8.12.17 J. Smith.
• Your cover letter is your opportunity to express your interests and availability. In the body of your letter, please include the following:
  • Areas of Interest: Briefly describe fields, departments, or types of projects you’re most interested in (e.g., environmental science, robotics, communications).
  • Goals for your volunteer experience: Share what you hope to learn or gain through volunteering (e.g., hands-on lab experience, teamwork skills, exposure to a specific field)
  • Availability: Clearly outline your availability during the volunteer session, including:
    • Start and end dates (e.g., June 2 – August 29, 2025)
    • Hours per day and preferred daily schedule (e.g., Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00AM; Wednesday 12:00PM – 2:00PM)

Providing specific and realistic availability helps mentors plan projects and match you with the right opportunities.

• When preparing your resume, be sure to include details that help mentors understand your educational background, interests, and how you might contribute to their work. Your resume should include the following:
  • Current Education: Name of your school, current grade level or academic status (e.g., high school junior, college sophomore)
  • Academic Achievements: Notable coursework, GPA, honors, or academic awards
  • Work and Volunteer Experiences: Any jobs, internships, or volunteer roles
  • Skills: Both technical (e.g., graphic design, lab techniques) and soft skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving)
  • Extracurricular Activities: Clubs, sports, student government, or other activities
  • Certifications: Any relevant certification (e.g., CPR, coding)
  • Interests and Hobbies: Share personal interest that reveal your character, creativity, or alignment with future goals.
  • Additional Accomplishments: Include anything else that highlights your strengths, initiative, or unique perspective.

Tailor your resume to reflect your authentic self and align your experiences with the types of projects and mentorship opportunities you’re hoping to be a part of.

What to Expect After You Apply

After submitting your application, please be patient during the review period.
Here’s what you should know:

• Mentors will review applications and contact students directly to explore
  interests and discuss potential placement. Students will communicate
  directly with mentors to develop a volunteer schedule.
• The LSVP Manager does not assign nor match students with mentors and
  does not influence the selection process.
• NASA Langley does not maintain or publish a list of available volunteer
  positions, as opportunities depend on mentor availability.

We encourage student to submit a thoughtful, well-prepared application to make
the best impression on potential mentors.

You’ve Been Accepted by a Mentor – What’s
Next?

Congratulations on securing a mentor! We’re excited for you to begin your journey with the NASA Langley Student Volunteer Program. Before you begin your volunteer experience, there are a few important administrative steps to complete. All student volunteers are required to submit enrollment forms prior to starting. These forms can be downloaded from the LSVP webpage, or they will be provided to you after you and your mentor notify the LSVP Manger of your agreement. Once confirmation is received, the onboarding process can begin.

We look forward to supporting you throughout your time at NASA Langley and hope your experience is both meaningful and rewarding.

The enrollment packet should include the following:

• Student volunteer resume with cover letter
• LF377 Student Volunteer Program Working Agreement
• LF457 Student Volunteer Program Agreement
• LF601 Mentor Agreement
• LF475 Work and Safety Agreement (for students volunteering onsite)
• Signed Mentor Agreement

Testimonial: Helen Phan

This program has given me the amazing opportunity of catching a glimpse of what it is like to work at NASA. I am currently working on a project that my mentor gave me, and it’s nice to know that I am contributing to NASA by working on and eventually completing this project. I have never had any sort of job before, so this experience has taught me valuable professional skills including broad topics such as workplace etiquette and detailed topics such as writing emails in a professional manner. My mentor has been a great person to look up to, and along with the valuable professional skills I have learned from him, he has also taught and explained different topics in math that are related to the project I am working on. I have learned to not be afraid of asking for help and that I am surrounded by extremely knowledgeable people here at NASA. I would recommend this program to any student who is looking for a great professional experience at NASA.

LSVP Manager:

Twanna N. Dixon

Larc-svp@mail.nasa.gov