Space Astronomy Summer Program(STScI)

The 2017 summer program will run for 10 weeks, starting Monday, June 12th, and ending Friday, August 18th. Unfortunately, we cannot accept participants requiring other start dates, or who cannot stay for at least 9 weeks of the 10-week program. This year will be the 24th consecutive year for the STScI Summer Student Program.

Summer Student Stipend and Subsidies

The intern stipend for the 2017 SASP will be $600 per week with travel and housing assistance for the summer. A travel and partial housing subsidy will be given to students.

A travel subsidy will include round-trip travel to Baltimore MD, by air, train or personal vehicle. Coordinated student housing will be offered to the SASP students. STScI will subsidize roughly 1/3 of the housing costs for students who use this housing option. See the Living in Baltimore page for more housing options.

Applications

Applications will be accepted beginning January 1 through January 31, 2017.

The application deadline is Saturday, January 31, 2017. Reference letters are due by Tuesday, February 7, 2017. Details regarding submission of reference letters are automatically sent via e-mail to the letter writers once their contact information has been submitted in the application.

The Space Telescope Science Institute is located on The Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. STScI is a visa sponsor.

Who is the program for?

The SASP is aimed at college undergraduates between their junior and senior years. However, we also accept exceptional students in earlier years and beginning graduate students. If you think you would benefit from our program, you are encouraged to apply. The program is open to students from the US and other countries, at all levels of undergraduate and graduate study, but with preference to the above categories.

Our experience shows that upper division undergraduates gain the most from the experience. Nine to ten weeks is a short time within which to complete a project, and we find that the following experiences or qualities can be helpful:

1. Hands-on experience with astronomical data and analysis.
2. The ability to work independently.
3. Confidence in one’s own limits and knowing when help is needed.
4. A strong background in astronomy, mathematics, and/or physics.

None of these is in itself a requirement, and we welcome students without prior research experience. If this coming summer is your first experience with astronomical research, we hope to make it inspiring and enjoyable. We are looking for bright, motivated individuals who can take full advantage of an unique opportunity.

How can I apply? What information is needed?

Please go to our on-line application submission web page (the link is at the bottom of this page). Your application will consist of three parts:

1. Creating a profile with basic information (name, contact information, academic background, etc.).
2. An essay of 500 to 1,000 words.
3. Two letters of recommendation which will be submitted directly by your letter writers.

All of this information should be submitted on-line, using the application submission page.

What is the selection process?

The selection process takes about six weeks and involves an assessment of the applicants and a matching of the skills and interests of candidates to the available projects and supervisors.

How can I check on my application’s status?

Please be patient. We know that you may be anxious to find out how matters are progressing, but it takes some time to go through the selection process. Inquiries may be directed to [email protected].

What happens if I am offered an internship?

If you are offered a position with the STScI SAS Program, that means we found match with you and one of our staff members, and we hope you will accept our offer. If you accept our offer, you will be asked to supply additional information to our Human Resources Department, and they will also provide you will any help you may need in preparing to come here. We will then contact you with travel, housing, and other logistical information, and put you in contact with your project advisor.

Official Link: http://www.stsci.edu/institute/smo/students/current

Deadline: 31 January, 2017