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
Dream with Us: High School Engineering Challenge
Do you love playing and working with drone technology? High school students are invited to innovate new ideas for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) as part of NASA’s Dream with Us: High School Engineering Challenge. Teams of 3–7 students will team up to develop a UAS for teh agriculture industry that monitors plant health, collects samples, and helps curb agricultural destruction by pests.
Eligibility: Teams of 3–7 students, grades 9–12
Registration deadline: Dec. 8, 2025
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