STEM Career Connections

 

The opportunity for hands-on experience as you explore your educational and career path is vital.  Summer research and internship opportunities allow you to further develop the skills you are learning in the classroom, develop new skills, and can expose you to a professional working environment. We have gathered STEM centered summer research and internship information below, however we encourage students to also seek guidance from the Career Center for further information on how to apply for internships and summer experiences, career exploration, and part-time work. 

 

Program Title Program Description Program Dates
Army Educational Outreach Program Apprenticeship Spring and Summer, see website
California Medicine Scholars Pilot Program
  • Select and prepare students attending San Diego regional community colleges.
  • Intention to transfer to a California 4-year university, apply to a California medical school, and practice in underserved and underrepresented communities.
  • Successfully completed a minimum of two terms and approximately 24 credits before their application to the CMSP.
  • The CMSP will provide: year-long academic counseling and mentoring to support students’ transfer on time and enrollment at a California 4-year university, individual and group advisement and instruction on medical school admissions policies and processes; introduction to health disparities, health equity and health policy; introductory MCAT preparation; guest speakers in the health and research fields; mentoring and workshops with local undergraduate and medical students; professional and social network development opportunities; and, interviewing skills.
  • Program website for more information.
Dates not disclosed yet.
Caltech LIGO Summer Program 
  • Summer Research Experience at Caltech or one of the LIGO observatory sites.
  • Undergraduate students majoring in physics, astronomy and engineering invited to participate in the development of gravitational-wave astronomy.
  • Research awards include a summer stipend and some funding for travel to the research site as needed.
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.0
  • Complete a full year of undergraduate education at your college or university, including at least one full year course in undergraduate physics
  • Not be under any disciplinary sanction
  • Applications typically open form late October-first week of January.
  • https://labcit.ligo.caltech.edu/LIGO_web/students/SURF/applicants-info
June-Aug
Coastal and Marine Institute at SDSU
  • 9-week summer program
  • Partners community college students with a graduate student in marine science research.
  • Application Deadline:  typically April each year
  • Contact: Jessica Griffin (jegriffin@ucdavis.edu)
  • Visit https://cmi.sdsu.edu/ for more information.

 

June-Aug
Cornell Engineering Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates
  • 9-week summer research opportunity for underrepresented undergraduates to work with distinguished faculty and staff as well as network with others in their field of interest. 
  • For students interested in gaining a deeper understanding in an engineering-related field and have the opportunity to conduct and present research under a Cornell Engineering faculty research mentor.
  • $4,000 stipend (see website to determine if in-person opportunity available)
  • Must be underrepresented in the STEM field (African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander). 
  • 3.0 GPA, completed at least two semesters of college by the start of the program. Must be majoring in a STEM discipline.
  • Applications typically open in December and close mid-February.
  • https://sites.coecis.cornell.edu/lsampreu/apply/
June-Aug
DIVERGE at Scripps Research
  • DIVERGE-Diversity Visitation Event for Research and Graduate Education: 3-day, all expense paid held on the Florida campus.
  • Undergraduate students interested in biomedical research careers
  • Preview of Scripps Research's Summer Undergraduate Fellows Program (SURF), AYRIU Program, and  top 10 ranked doctoral programs.
  • Application deadlines typically in November each year
January
LAMAT-Undergraduate Computational Astrophysics and Astronomical Data Research at UC Santa Cruz
  • 8-week summer program designed to introduce students to astrophysical research methods and tools through original projects  in computational astrophysics and astronomical data science.  
  • Designed for community college students majoring in science and engineering.
  • Students work closely with faculty and graduate students from Physics, Applied Mathematics, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Astronomy Departments.  
  • Stipend and housing provided
  • Applications typically open in October and close the first week in December.
  • Program Website
June-Aug
LEADR Program (Scripps Research)
  • Program for community college students to explore a variety of biomedical research topics.
  • Students gain understanding of concepts and methods in a particular field, develop scientific communication and critical thinking skills, and network with current scientists working in that field.
  • Participants are placed in a small cohort and  introduced to research areas or themes.
  • Each group, or cohort of students, participates in two consecutive program modules, which are tied together by either a disease being studied or other research topic or method. Previous modules have included: RNA Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, and Structural Biology. 
  • Email Nitya Bhaskaran at outreach@scripps.edu for joining upcoming cohort
Spring
Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program
  • 10-week , paid summer internship for current undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Participants gain real-world, hands-on experience  and research skills while being introduced to Navy science and technology environment.
  • Visit https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/careers/ for more information.
  • **Also review their Technical Student Services Contract information for part-time work opportunities.  Majors needed are electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, math, biology, marine sciences, psychology, etc.  These tasks can operate year-round.
Dates not disclosed
NCAS (NASA  Community College Aerospace Scholars)
  • Online experience to learn from experts about NASA missions and research. 
  • Completion of an online course can provide an opportunity to participate in an in-person NASA experience in Fall 2022. 
  • Application period is typically early March - mid April

Websitehttps://nasaostem.okstate.edu/ncas/legacy/index.html

ongoing, see website for details
NIH Community College Summer Enrichment Program
  • Research opportunity for community college transfer students who are interested in biomedical sciences (includes behavioral and social sciences, through biology and chemistry, to physics, mathematical modeling, computational biology, and biostatistics)
  • Commit to full-time research (minimum 40 hours per week, 9 weeks), including leadership developmental program/workshops, and training.
  • 3.0 GPA required, must be a U.S citizen or permanent resident, must be at least 17 years of age by June 15, 2022. 
  • Stipend included ($2,320-$2,670/month), as well as funds for transportation. Housing not included
  • Located in Bethesda, MD
  • Applications typically due in mid January each year
  • Program Information and Application
June -Aug
Palomar Health Pathmaker Internship
  • Opportunity for pre-health students to explore diverse career paths
  • Clinically-focused, unprecedented access to direct patient care
  • Interns are accepted and on-boarded every three months.
  • Interviews are scheduled to take place three months prior to the start of a clinical rotation cycle.
  • Must be available for 15 months to participate, one 4-hour shift per week.
  • Applications accepted typically open in October.Program Information and application website
 
Pathways to Science
  • Pathwaystoscience.org provides students with current paid and unpaid national Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) programs such as Rosetta Commons Research for undergraduates or Summer Systematics Instate REU in San Francisco's Golden State Park.
  • Deadlines usually on or around February 1 each year.
  • Visit https://www.pathwaystoscience.org/Undergrads.aspx for more information.
Summer Season
Research Experience for Undergraduates at Scripps Research Institute
  •  Supports 10 students in a 10-week  program that probes  the structure and function of macromolecules.
  • Program components:  Curriculum and professional development and research experience to improve interns' critical thinking skills, scientific preparation skills, knowledge base, and research expertise.
  • Interns receive hands-on experience in the sciencetific process from world-renowned faculty and scientists. 
  • Students must be enrolled in a U.S. Institution to apply.
  • https://education.scripps.edu/undergraduate/summer-research/surf-program/index.html for more information
June- Aug
San Diego Zoo Student Fellowships for Undergraduates
  • Undergraduate summer fellowships to current undergraduate students in conservation science teams:  Recovery Ecology, Population Sustainability, Community Engagement, Conservation Genetics, Plant Conservation, Reproductive Sciences, and Disease Investigations.
  • Fellowships are 40 hours per week for 12 weeks.
  • Fellows receive $7000 stipend.
  • Application deadline is usually in February each year.
  • Visit https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/jobs/internships for more information.
Typically Mid May-Aug, or Mid June-Sept.
Stanford University Undergraduate Research in Geoscience and Engineering Program
  • 8-week program that provides undergraduates from U.S. 2 and 4-year institutions the opportunity to gain mentored research experience at Stanford University in the Earth and environmental sciences, as well as in renewable resource engineering.
  • scholar is matched with a faculty member from the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences and has the opportunity to work in a research group or laboratory.
  •  includes workshops on applying to graduate school and understanding geoscience and engineering careers.
  •  scholars present results from their summer projects to faculty, mentors, and colleagues. 
  • Applications are especially encouraged from students who are Black/African Americans, Latinx/Chicanx Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islander Americans.
  • Applications typically open from December through first week in February.
  • https://earth.stanford.edu/dei/surge#gs.ibfdqr
June-Aug
STRL- STEM Student Educational Employment at Naval Information Warfare Center
  • Student Employment program for students enrolled in a Scientific, Technical, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) course of study at an accredited institution of higher education.
  • Student employees will have the ability to convert to a temporary, term or permanent position upon completing degree requirements.
  • Students must be enrolled in a Scientific or Engineering Program 
  • Students enrolled in 2-year university parallel (or equivalent) program designed specifically for transfer to a 4-year institution are eligible.
  • Submit resume, unofficial transcripts and proof of enrollment to niwcpacjobs.@navy.mil. Include DHA STEM STUDENT_(Your Last Name) in Subject Line. Information will be made available for hiring manager review. If openings are available, the hiring manager will contact you directly. Background check and security clearance is required for all jobs. Minimum age is 18.
Depending on open positions
Summer Transfer Ahead into Research Training in Neuroscience (STARTneuro)
  • 10-week summer opportunity for incoming UCSD students to do research in neuroscience
  • Provides ongoing mentorship and workshops to prepare students to apply for Ph.D. programs, and an opportunity to work part-time during the school year
  • Work full-time in labs over the summer to learn fundamental techniques in neuroscience and get familiar with UCSD. 
  • $6,000 stipend for summer, and earn up to $2,250 each quarter for research.
  • A commitment of 10 weeks during the summer, annual and monthly meetings, and also 10-15 hours a week in research during the quarter. 
  • Must be interested in pursuing neuroscience as a career path, no minimum GPA requirement
  • No previous research experience is required. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident. 
  • Students who have been historically excluded from STEM research because of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status are encouraged to apply
  • See website for application details.  https://ugresearch.ucsd.edu/research-programs/start-neuro/eligibility-and-application.html
  •  
Summer + quarters
SURF- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows at Scripps Research Institute
  •  10-week summer undergraduate program where participants identify their area of interest and are matched with a faculty mentor.
  • Students are expected to work full-time in the laboratory and participate in weekly seminars.
  • Oral presentations at the end of the summer of student research to hone public speaking and presentation skills.
  • Held in La Jolla, CA and Jupiter, FL
  • $5,000 stipend and on campus housing at nearby university or college
  • Application deadline typically in February each year
  • https://education.scripps.edu/undergraduate/summer-research/surf-program/index.html for more information
 June-Aug
USD-National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates 
  •  10-week undergraduate research program that will engage students in collaborative, interdisciplinary research alongside USD faculty in Biology, Chemistry and Bio-Chemistry, Environmental and Ocean Sciences, Physics and Bio-physics.  
  • Receive mentoring from and join lab of USD faculty and their ongoing research program in climate change, renewable energy, clean water, and health.
  • Consider the societal implications of scientific research as it relates to environmental justice, equity, and access to emerging technologies.
  • Stipend of $6,000 and free USD summer housing
  • Funding to attend and present your research at a national American Chemical Society meeting
  • Applications open 12/1/21-02/14/22
  • Program Website
June 6-August 12, 2022
University Medical Link Science Program at UCSD
  • Recruits community college students from academically, economically, or socially disadvantaged backgrounds who are interested in becoming physicians, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, or other health science professionals.
  • Develops academic and professional skills, provides long-term mentoring, creates social and professional networks
  • UCSD SOM faculty, staff, alumni and students; local professionals lead lectures and provide opportunities for career exploration.
  • All costs of program are covered (*Due to COVID-19, experience may be virtual)
  • Applications open December 1-March 11, 2022
  • http://ucsdulmsp.weebly.com/
June 26-July 23, 2022

UCSD MRSEC Research Experience for Undergraduates

  • FT, 8-week summer undergraduate research opportunity at the forefront of materials science and engineering.  
  • Trained in computational, nanotechnological, and biological methods aimed at making new materials
  • Provided mentoring and professional development, industrial field trips, research seminars
  • Must commit to full-time, extensive lab work and engagement in program activities.
  • $600 weekly stipend
  • Applications typically due in February each year.  
  • visit https://mrsec.reumanager.co
June-Aug

UCSD Summer Training Academy for Research (STARS)

  • 8-week summer research academy for community college students, undergraduates,  recent college  graduates, and masters students.
  • Open to all STEM disciplines and provides rigorous research opportunities with esteemed UCSD faculty, informative transfer and graduate school preparation workshops, and other educational and social activities.
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age, US citizen or permanent resident, available for full-time commitment, and demonstrate academic aptitude.
  • Applications open from November until mid January.
  • https://summer.ucsd.edu/program-finder/summer-training-academy-for-research.html for application and more information.
June-Aug

United States Department of Energy

(Community College Internship Program or Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships)

 

  • Work with a mentor and gain valuable hands-on experience while collaborating on an exciting project.
  • Opportunities to present research to mentors and peers and engage in professional development activities.
  • $650 week stipend, housing accommodation/allowance, round-trip travel reimbursement
  • Must be 18 years old, GPA of 3.0, and US citizen or legal permanent resident.  **See website for complete list of eligibility requirements specific to each opportunity.**
  • Applications typically due in January
  • Visit https://science.osti.gov/wdts/cci/how-to-apply or https://science.osti.gov.wdts/suli/how-to-apply
 Summer Term