NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Program Description

The High School Shadowing Program provides high school students with a career exploration experience for 1 day or up to 1 week at the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center (GRC). Opportunities are available during the school year for students interested in science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and professional administration. This program is sponsored by the Educational Programs Office.

Program Goal

Shadowing provides high school students with an opportunity to explore career possibilities in a research and development environment while under the guidance of a GRC scientist, engineer, technician, or administrative professional that serves as the student’s mentor. Students are provided with information about various careers, career paths, and GRC educational resources and programs.
Students will depart from GRC with knowledge that will be of value to them in career decision making and an awareness of additional educational opportunities and resources at GRC.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, a high school student, and at least 16 years of age. Students who have demonstrated an interest in science, mathematics, engineering, or related technical fields and professional administration are eligible. Students must be recommended for an internship by a teacher, guidance counselor, or other school official to participate.

Program Requirements

Students typically shadow for 1 day and not more than 1 week. Students who request a shadowing opportunity longer than 1 day must be part of a formal school career program and provide NASA Glenn with the school’s program guidelines. Senior project shadowing opportunities are very “limited” as the mentor pool has been impacted by budget constraints and downsizing (refer to Senior Projects).
Students must agree to complete the shadowing experience between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Students who are participating in longer formal school career programs (2 days or longer) must be available every business day on a full-time basis for the duration of their program. Students are required to adhere to all safety, security and program guidelines.
Prior to departure from NASA, all students must complete two NASA Education Evaluation Information System (NEEIS) Forms—Profile and Feedback. Completion of these forms is a program requirement as feedback is a key to the success of our programs. This is also a preliminary requirement for eligibility to participate in additional NASA programs.

Senior Projects

All senior project applications will be accepted under the following conditions:
1) You already have a NASA mentor for the required senior project term. Mentor’s name and phone must be provided on the application.
2) There is an employee, in the mentor pool, interested in mentoring a senior project student in your area of interest following annual call for shadowing mentors.
3) The date(s) required for GRC’s feedback (mentor’s name, shadowing date, form due, etc.) to school is provided on the application.
4) School’s required forms for senior project are attached to application. If not available at time of application then forms must be provided within 3 weeks of the deadline date. These papers must be sent in a timely manner in order for GRC to have adequate time to respond to the school. Not providing papers in a timely manner could jeopardize a scheduled senior project experience as mentors need time to prepare for students and respond to school guidelines.
5) Student must indicate on the application if they would be interested in 1 week if GRC is unable to support their entire senior project request.

Selection Process

Student requests will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Application packages must be complete for consideration.
Shadowing placements are dependent upon the availability of appropriate Glenn mentors and facilities. The Educational Programs Office cannot guarantee a shadowing experience and will not sign any forms that state a shadowing experience is guaranteed. Each session has limited placement and shadowing days.

Application

Students must complete and return the enclosed application and forms, along with one copy of their birth certificate and one copy of the entire application package. Applications can be obtained by selecting this link: 2009 Application in PDF Format. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Placements cannot be made without the signature of a parent or guardian (if applicable) and recommending school official.

Schedule

Session I - November 14 to December 15, 2008
Application Deadline - October 20, 2008
Notification Date - November 7, 2008

Session II - March 9 to May 29, 2009
Application Deadline - January 30, 2009
Selection Notification Date - February 25, 2009

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NASA Glenn Educational Programs Office Contact:
GRC Educational Programs Office

Phone: (216) 433-6656
E-mail: GRC-Intern@mail.nasa.gov