Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is a summer research internship run by the George Mason University College of Science in Fairfax, Virginia, for high school and undergraduate students. Interns work one-on-one with faculty researchers at George Mason and collaborating institutions on original projects in fields such as astronomy, neuroscience, machine learning and environmental science. They build scientific writing and communication skills, explore STEM careers and earn three college credits. Each mentor sets the format, so internships are remote, in person or hybrid, with labs on George Mason's Fairfax, Science and Technology (Manassas) and Potomac Science Center (Woodbridge) campuses. The program runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for 30 hours a week. There is a $25 application fee and $1,299 tuition, and both can be waived for financial need. Campus housing at the student's cost may be arranged for interns 18 and older, but not for minors. The 2026 program ran June 18 to August 12.

High school and undergraduate students can apply as long as they have not graduated from university before or during the internship. Interns in remote or computer-lab internships must be at least 15 by the first day of the program, and interns in wet labs must be at least 16. There is no minimum GPA. Reviewers consider STEM courses completed, GPA, volunteer and work experience, and personal statements, and highly qualified candidates are interviewed. Transcripts and letters of recommendation are not accepted at the application stage. Students may take part in two summer sessions in total. The 2027 application runs from December 7, 2026, to February 12, 2027, and 2027 dates, tuition and mentors are to be posted in November 2026.