Student Opportunities
Artemis Student Challenges
The Artemis Student Challenges are authentic, hands-on learning experiences that give students in middle school all the way through graduate school a chance to flex their design and engineering skills. Each opportunity builds foundational knowledge and introduces students to topics and technologies critical to the success of NASA’s Artemis program. The Artemis Student Challenges include:
- NASA App Development Challenge
- Human Exploration Rover Challenge
- Micro-g NExT
- BIG Idea Challenge
- First Nations Launch
- NASA Spacesuit User Interface
- Technologies for Students (SUITS)
- Student Launch
- Great Lunar Expedition for Everyone
HSGC University Research Internship
The Hawaii Spacegrant University Research Internship offers full-time UH undergrads the exciting opportunity to do real NASA-related research and earn up to $12,000 per year. Topics range from Earth science and aerospace to planetary exploration. Apply now and jump-start your path toward a future in space science and engineering!
Details:
- $5,000 stipend per semester (plus $1,000 travel allowance)
- Work 10-15 hrs per week
- Applications Due: Dec. 1 (Fall) | June 15 (Spring)
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizens only
- F/T undergrads who have declared a major and are enrolled at a UH campus or University of Guam
2026 Extraterrestrial Materials Academy (ETMA)
USRA’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) is now accepting applications for a 10-week paid summer academy for undergrad students. The Extraterrestrial Materials Academy (ETMA) provides training to develop analytical and laboratory skills and gain practical knowledge for future careers in planetary science. ETMA focuses on sample science and equips participants with resources to help support their professional journey. Applicants from smaller universities or colleges, or those lacking research opportunities, are encouraged to apply. The academy will be held in Houston, Texas at LPI.
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizens enrolled at colleges/universities not designated as R1 institution
- Minimum of 36 credits completed at an accredited institution
- Preferred majors: physical/natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or math (but all applicants will be considered)
Application deadline: Jan. 16, 2026
Akamai Internship Program
Calling all STEM undergrads in Hawaiʻi! The Akamai Workforce Initiative is now accepting applications for the 2025 Akamai Internship Program. This nationally recognized, 10-week summer program gives students real hands-on work experience at a local observatory, company, or science/technical facility. Placements are available to community college and university students from a wide range of STEM majors including engineering, computer science, astronomy, physics, and others.
Internship dates: June 1 – August 7, 2026
What’s included:
- $4,600 stipend
- Housing (if needed)
- Inter-island airfare
- Ground transportation to internship site
Details:
- Eligibility: Hawaiʻi-based undergrad students majoring in a STEM field
- Application deadline: Friday, Jan. 23, 2026
2026 NASA Student Airborne Research Program
The NASA Student Airborne Research Program is an eight-week summer internship for rising senior undergraduate students interested in Earth system science. The program provides hands-on research experience in all aspects of a scientific campaign, including flying onboard a research aircraft and engaging with ground observations and satellite data. Participants will work in one of four interdisciplinary teams to study land, atmospheric, or oceanographic processes. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Participants receive a stipend, and travel/living expenses are covered.
Details:
- Eligibility: Senior undergrads enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year US college or university. Strong academic background in math, engineering, or any of the physical, chemical, or biological sciences.
- Application deadline: Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026
2026 RASC-AL Competition
NASA’s RASC-AL Competition invites college teams to develop bold new aerospace concepts that advance exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The 2026 challenge focuses on designing innovative systems and technologies—from lunar surface exploration tools to improved methods for operating and returning data from Mars. Teams will submit original engineering, analysis, and creative solutions aligned with one of four mission-focused themes, strengthening the pipeline of future aerospace innovators.
Details:
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Eligibility: Undergrad and grad students enrolled at U.S.-based colleges and universities (teams must include at least one faculty advisor).
- Included: $7,000 stipend to support participation in the event; two top winning teams will each be awarded $6,000 cash prizes and inivtations to present at an aerospace conference
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Proposal deadline: Monday, Feb. 23, 2026