Upcoming Deadlines

Spring 2016 Term:

Term Dates: January 25 – April 1

Summer 2016 Term:

Application Window: January 4 – February 12

Letters of Recommendation Due: February 26

Application Review: February – March

Applicant Notifications: March – April

Term Dates: June 6 – August 12 (10-week term)
June 20 – August 12 (8-week term)
*Start date based on availability and node requirements

Fall 2016 Term:

Application Window: May 23 – July 1

Letters of Recommendation Due: July 15

Term Dates: September 12 – November 18

Online Application

Before beginning your application, please be sure to read through our Online Application Guidelines.

What will you be working on?

Provided below is a tentative list of proposed projects for DEVELOP's Summer 2016 Term.

Ready to Apply?

Here Are Things You Need To Know

General Eligibility Requirements

At least 18 years of age

Ability to provide personal transportation to and from the DEVELOP location

Strong interest in Earth science and remote sensing

U.S. citizenship is required to apply to DEVELOP locations at NASA Centers

In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirements stated above, each applicant must meet the additional requirements specific to their applicant classification:

Currently Enrolled Students

Students who are currently enrolled at a U.S. accredited community college, undergraduate or graduate college or university. Open to all majors.

Evidence of enrollment at an accredited U.S. school (acceptance letter or current unofficial transcripts)

Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (cumulative or most recent)

Recent Graduates

Individuals who have graduated with an undergraduate or graduate degree from a U.S. accredited college or university within the past two years.

Evidence of successful graduation from a college or university (diploma or transcript showing graduation)

Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (cumulative or most recent) at last institution of higher learning

Early/Transitioning Career Professionals

Individuals transitioning to a new career field, who are pursuing further experience in the Earth sciences and remote sensing (including transitioning/recently transitioned veterans from the U.S. Armed Forces).

At least two years of work experience in a professional environment

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale from last institution of education

U.S. Veterans must provide evidence of service and release/discharge - DD Form 214.

***Not all DEVELOP locations conduct projects every term. Those that are active will be listed on the application. Please contact the National Program Office if you have any specific questions.

About the Participants

Who?

There is no standard DEVELOP participant. As an interdisciplinary program incubating feasibility projects, anyone with an interest in Earth science is welcome to apply. DEVELOP accepts participants with skills in a variety of fields, as well as from different phases of their career (currently enrolled students, recent graduates, early career professionals, and transitioning career professionals). Applicants with a strong interest in Earth sciences, remote sensing, environmental science, computer science, GIS, technology, and environmental policy are strongly encouraged to apply. No previous experience is required in these areas, just an eagerness and interest to learn. Visit the Apply page for more information about eligibility.

What?

Participants should expect to spend their time conducting literature review on the scope, methodologies, and types of NASA remote-sensing data applicable to their project. They will also utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote-sensing data to conduct application projects that partner with organizations that can benefit from enhanced decision-making tools. Each DEVELOP team creates the same set of deliverables including a poster, PPT presentation, technical report, brochure, and video as the program puts an emphasis on building capacity to communicate project results to a variety of audiences. Participants also partake in personal development activities like personality typing and team building, as well as networking opportunities with scientists and partner organizations.

How?

Participants are placed on interdisciplinary teams ranging in size from one to eight participants. The team works under the guidance of a NASA or partner organization mentor, DEVELOP management at their location, and the DEVELOP National Program Office. Meetings are scheduled between the teams and mentor(s) as needed.

Why?

DEVELOP is a unique opportunity and each participant benefits differently. Generally speaking, participants can expect to enhance their personal and professional development. Participants are given the opportunity to improve their skill sets in communication, presentation, research, collaboration, technical capabilities, and networking, to name a few.

Application Guidelines Overview

Important Information Regarding the Application Process:

Applications must be submitted within the set application window.

Applications may be started, saved as a draft, and then returned to for completion.

For New Candidate Applications, letters of recommendation will be emailed directly by the recommender to the DEVELOP National Program Office. Recommenders will receive an email with instructions once the applicant has submitted their application.

Applicants can review their application status by logging onto the online application system and viewing previously submitted applications.

Applications that are submitted, but not complete (missing letters of recommendation) may not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed by the NPO as well as the centers to which the intern applied.

Interviews will occur in person (when possible) or over the phone (if the student is not local).

After the selection process is complete, each applicant will receive notification regarding their status.

The DEVELOP application and selection processes are managed on behalf of NASA by contractors. DEVELOP selectees are classified as independent consultants.

Do you have questions regarding an opportunity with DEVELOP? Please refer to the Questions Section. For answers not available there, contact the National Program Office for additional information.

International Applicants

International applicants interested in working with the DEVELOP Program must be currently registered at, or recently graduated from, an accredited U.S. school. Acceptances for international applicants are conditional upon proof of a pre-obtained visa or approved CPT/OPT that will allow them to legally work within the U.S. DEVELOP does not sponsor visa applications or file petitions with U.S. Immigration. International applicants are not eligible to apply to NASA Center Locations; however, they are eligible to apply to the locations listed to the right. Applicants who do not meet these requirements are not eligible to participate in the DEVELOP Program.

Locations International Applicants can select:

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center at NSSTC – Huntsville, AL

International Research Institute for Climate and Society – Palisades, NY

Mobile County Health Department – Mobile, AL

University of Georgia – Athens, GA

USGS-Colorado State University – Fort Collins, CO

Wise County and City of Norton Clerk of Court's Office – Wise, VA

BLM at Idaho State University's GIS TReC - Pocatello, ID

Apply