FAQs

SEES 2026 FAQ

Subject to Change – Updated January 6, 2026

WHEN IS IT?

On-Site Internship Dates

  • July 5–18, 2026 – On-site internship at The University of Texas at Austin
  • July 18, 2026 On-site interns return home

Virtual Project Dates

  • June–July 21, 2026 – Virtual project work (schedule varies by project)
  • July 20-21, 2026 – Virtual Science Symposium (all interns participate)

OTHER KEY DATES

  • February 22, 2026 – Applications due
  • March 1, 2026 – Recommendation forms due
  • May 1, 2026 – Notifications sent
  • June – SEES Speaker Series (on Tuesdays & Thursdays)
  • May 15–July 1, 2026 – Earth & Space Science Module open
  • May 15–July 1, 2026 – Python Module open (required for some, optional for others)
  • July 1, 2026 – All learning modules due
  • June–July 21, 2026 – Project-specific online work with mentors (mentors will reach out with dates/times)

WHERE IS IT?

The on-site SEES internship is hosted at The University of Texas at Austin.

  • Students are housed on the main campus
  • Daily transportation is provided to the UT Center for Space Research (North Engineering Campus)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

  • U.S. citizens only
  • Current high school sophomores or juniors (rising juniors/seniors)
  • Must be 16 years old by July 5, 2026 (No exceptions)

WHO COORDINATES SEES?

  • The SEES Program is funded by NASA and managed by the University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research (CSR).

WHAT IF I HAVE CONFLICTS?

  • If you have a summer job, vacation, or other commitments, consider applying for a virtual project, which you can complete from home.
  • If you cannot participate fully, we recommend applying another year.
  • SEES is an immersive experience. Interns should not plan to participate in more than one internship over the summer.

APPLICATION

What makes a strong application?

  • Strong grades
  • Clear, thoughtful essays that show teamwork, STEM interest, and curiosity

Is SEES only for top academic students?

  • No. SEES evaluates both aptitude and need. Students with limited STEM access are encouraged to apply.

Should I list all my STEM activities?

  • Yes, if relevant. But also explain any lack of opportunities and how you’ve explored STEM in your own way.

Transcripts

  • Transcript should be an unofficial transcript or a report card (can be from previous semester)

More Application FAQs:

  • Can I use my school email address? No, please use your personal email as schools often have firewalls which will block incoming mails.
  • I’m a sophomore but only 15. You must be 16 by July 5, 2026 to apply.
  • I’m a senior. SEES only accepts current sophomores and juniors.
  • Can I do SEES more than once? No, but alumni can become program ambassadors.
  • How long has SEES been around? SEES launched in 2016 as a national NASA-funded program (CSR high school internships began in 2010).
  • How competitive is SEES? In 2024, we received ~2,000 applications and accepted 215.
  • Where do I apply? spacegrant.net/apps/sees 

INTRODUCTION VIDEO

  • Length: 3–5 minutes
  • Content: Introduce yourself, where you’re from, and why you want to be a NASA intern. Be confident and creative!
  • Submission: Submit the video link in your application by February 22. Do not email files.
  • Hosting platform: Use YouTube (Unlisted), Vimeo, or similar. Do not use Public or Private settings.
  • Music: Do not use copyrighted music. Royalty-free or no music is best.

RECOMMENDATION FORM

Guidelines:

  • Use the official Recommendation Form (not a letter).
  • Provide the correct email address of your recommender in the application.
  • Ask early. Follow up to ensure it’s submitted.
  • Deadline: March 1, 2026

Recommendation Form FAQs:

  • Can I use my own email address for the recommender? No.
  • What if my recommender didn’t get the form?
    • Ensure your application was submitted
    • Check for typos in their email
    • Have them check their spam folder
    • Add notices@spacegrant.net to their address book
  • Will I be notified when it’s submitted? Yes, but it’s still your responsibility to confirm it’s done.

COST

  • Tuition, meals, housing, and activities are provided.
  • You are responsible for travel to/from Austin and any personal incidentals.
  • Travel scholarships are available and do not affect your selection.

Participation Cost Options:

  • Scholarship Recipient: Tuition, meals, housing, tours, and local travel covered; travel to Austin paid by student.
  • Scholarship Recipient with Travel Support: Tuition, meals, housing, tours, local travel, and travel to Austin covered.
  • Virtual Participation: No cost.
  • Paid Student Participation: Student pays tuition cost of $2,000 which includes meals, housing. tours, and local travel. Travel to Austin is not included in this fee.

All applicants are evaluated equally. Applying for or receiving a scholarship does not affect program acceptance decisions.

LOGISTICS

  • Packing List: Provided upon acceptance.
  • Clothing: Business casual. Expect hot weather outside and cold A/C indoors.
  • Laptop: Not required but highly recommended. Limited extras available on site.
  • WiFi: Provided at UT campus.
  • Attendance: Full attendance is required. No days may be missed unless cleared in advance.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS:

  • Margaret Baguio – baguio@csr.utexas.edu | 512-471-6922
  • Celena Miller – cmiller@csr.utexas.edu | 512-232-6895
  • Laura Tomlin – laura.tomlin@csr.utexas.edu | 512-423-8913

HOUSING

  • Location: UT Austin dorms (double occupancy)
  • Arrival/Departure:
    • Airport arrivals met and transported by staff
    • Car arrivals check in at dorm
    • Departures are supervised and require adult checkout if not flying
  • Supervision: Trained SEES staff and dorm monitors (background checked)
  • Visitation: Family/friends may visit with advance approval
  • Public Events: Final Virtual Science Symposium (July 20-21) is open to families and guests. The Symposium is typically from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM CDT.

FOOD & MEDICINE

  • Meals: 3 meals per day + snacks provided
  • Special Diets: Vegetarian options included; Notify us in advance of allergies
  • Medications: Administered by program staff
  • Extras: Optional All-Sports Pass available for campus gym

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

Academic Preparation:

  • All interns must complete the Earth & Space Science Module by July 1
  • Python course is required for some, optional for others (you’ll be notified)
  • Mentors will meet virtually with students in June/early July

Program Schedule:

  • On-Site Internship: July 5–18, 2026
  • Virtual Internship: June-July 21, 2026
  • Virtual Science Symposium: July 20-21, 2026

Daily Life:

  • Full days (M–F), evening sessions, weekend events, and field trips (including NASA JSC)

Credit:

  • No course credit given, but all participants receive a NASA Certificate of Completion

The SEES High School Summer Intern Program is funded through NASA Cooperative Agreement Notice NNH15ZDA004C and is a part of NASA’s Science Activation program. For more information, go to: https://science.nasa.gov/learners