Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: Which college/university should my son/daughter attend to be able to get a job at NASA?

Answer: NASA takes applicants from any university.

Question: What is the Space Grant Consortia?

Answer: NASA provides funds for 52 Space Grant Consortia, a network of affiliated colleges (one in each state, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.) Please contact the Space Grant Consortium for universities that offer engineering programs in your area of interest within the state of your choice. Depending on the university your child chooses, the Space Grant Consortium for that state may offer opportunities at NASA such as internships, competitions, senior design projects, etc. within their affiliated universities. You may find out more about the Space Grant Consortia at: http://national.spacegrant.org/

Question: What about your programs in general like internships, competitions, etc.?

Answer: First you need to select a program you are interested in and proceed to complete an application. Each program offers a unique focus on specified areas as well as various start and end dates. Once you have submitted an application, you can be considered for that program. The following links can direct you to the programs that are available:
http://www.nasa.gov/education
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/education

Question: What about funding for senior design projects or competitions?

Answer: The senior design project ideas posted at http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/esmdspacegrant/Sr_Design.htm is for a program NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEO) is sponsoring with the Space Grant Consortiums. You are welcome to ask your professors about using any of these ideas for your senior design projects. However, to obtain funding and participate in discussions with NASA Points of Contacts regarding these subjects you must be sponsored to participate in this program through your state's Space Grant Consortium. Funding for competitions are also done through the Space Grant Consortium. Please contact your state's Space Grant Consortium to obtain more information on their participation in these programs. For a list of contact information for each of the 50 states as well as D.C. and Puerto Rico, please visit:
http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDSpaceGrant/Space_Grant.htm

Question: What about internships?

Answer: Please check http://www.nasa.gov/education, http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/education and http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDSpaceGrant/ESMD_Exploration_Internships.htm for internship opportunities and programs offered by NASA.

Question: I am an international student. Can I still participate?

Answer: Unfortunately no, at this time, NASA can only hire and accept US citizens at the centers due to governmental security regulations. This is not expected to change in the future.

Question: How do I get into the Exploration program?

Answer: Please refer to http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDSpaceGrant/ESMD_Exploration_Internships.htm for instructions on submitting your application.

Question: What majors are required?

Answer: Our main focus is are STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors, however there are some opportunities for other majors. We encourage you to look over the internship opportunities and apply for any that seem to suit your background and studies.
http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDspacegrant/ESMD_Exploration_Internships.htm

Question: Can I still submit for this year/semester? (After the deadline)

Answer: Sorry but we must adhere to the application dates. You might be able to apply for a future semester however. Please continue to check the following link for information on dates for when the application(s) will open and close as well as how to apply:
http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDspacegrant/ESMD_Exploration_Internships.htm

Thanks for your interest and good luck!