STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program

The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program is a NASA-funded summer research internship for high school sophomores and juniors, run by the Center for Space Research at The University of Texas at Austin. Interns join project teams and work with NASA and aerospace experts to analyze and visualize mission data in areas such as Earth systems, remote sensing, astronomy and planetary science. The 2026 program began with online learning modules due July 1, followed by an on-site internship in Austin from July 5 to 18, 2026, while virtual projects ran from June through July 21. All interns presented their research at a virtual science symposium on July 20-21, 2026. Virtual participation has no cost. On-site interns either receive a scholarship covering tuition, meals, housing and local travel, or pay $2,000 in tuition, and travel scholarships are limited.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, must be current high school sophomores or juniors, and must turn 16 by the start of the on-site session. Past SEES interns cannot apply again. The online application includes essays, a 3-5 minute introduction video link, an unofficial transcript or report card, and a recommendation form from a teacher, counselor, youth leader or principal.