Developing STEM Talent

SUMMER SCHOLARS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
AAAS FELLOWS

SUMMER SCHOLARS INTERSHIP PROGRAM

Summer Scholars Class on orientation day.

The mission of NSF's Summer Scholars Internship Program (SSIP) is to develop undergraduate and graduate student potential through exposure to relevant science and engineering policy, research and education issues and programs; and to encourage students to earn graduate degrees and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Undergraduate and graduate students come to the National Science Foundation for a ten week summer experience to work in an office that aligns with the students' academic interests. NSF currently offers limited summer internships through the following organizations:

• The American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) is a national, nonprofit organization which nurtures building of community by bridging science and technology with traditional Native values. Through its educational programs, AISES provides opportunities for American Indians and Alaska Natives to pursue studies in science, engineering, and technology arenas. The trained professionals then become technologically informed leaders within the Indian community. AISES' ultimate goal is to be a catalyst for the advancement of American Indians and Native Alaskans as they seek to become self-reliant and self-determined members of society.
• The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) internship program has provided paid internships to thousands of students since 1992. HACU's mission is to promote the development of member colleges and universities; to improve access to and the quality of post-secondary educational opportunities for Hispanic students; and to meet the needs of business, industry and government through the development and sharing of resources, information and expertise.
• The Quality Education for Minorities Network (QEM) internship program is designed to enhance the students' ability to: apply their knowledge to a summer internship assignment; increase their understanding of the educational needs of minorities; and instill a sense of responsibility for helping minority students from low-income families through participation in campus projects at their home institutions during the academic year.
• The Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS) program offers students of sovereign American Indian and Alaska Native nations the opportunity to build leadership skills while living, studying, and interning in Washington, DC. Participating students gain professional experience at work, take for-credit courses at American University focusing on Native American public policy concerns, and enjoy engaging social and cultural extra-curricular activities.

SSIP participants leave NSF with a better understanding of science administration and how Federal policies affect the science and engineering community. Students interested in a research-based experience are encouraged to apply to NSF's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program or various opportunities offered through NSF's Science and Technology Centers (STCs), Engineering Research Centers (ERCs), and Material Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs). The Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) lists other NSF programs on web pages for Undergraduate Students and Graduate Students.


AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE (AAAS) FELLOWS

See the AAAS/NSF website for detailed information. AAAS Fellows "spend one year at the National Science Foundation ... learning how NSF funds science, while providing scientific, engineering, and educational input on issues relating to NSF's mission to support fundamental science and engineering research and education. AAAS/NSF Science and Engineering Fellows will be placed at offices throughout the Foundation working with staff involved in the planning, development and oversight of agency programs. The programs include all fields of fundamental research including biological, computer and information, mathematical and physical, social/behavioral/economic, and geosciences as well as engineering and technology, education, or public, legal and legislative affairs."
Contact: Sherrie Green.