Registration for the 2026 National Space Intern Program Open
Connects Students With Leading Space Companies Nationwide
Registrations for the 2026 National Space Intern (NSI) program, offering college students in STEM fields the opportunity to launch their careers in the space sector, have been opened by the National Space Foundation through its strategic initiative Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT).
“The National Space Intern program ensures that talented students from across the country have access to meaningful opportunities in the space industry.”
Melanie Stricklan, SWFT
SWFT is a collaboration with The Aerospace Corporation supported by over 30 leading space organizations. NSI connects students with leading space companies nationwide, providing internships, professional mentorship and direct access to a national network of industry leaders. Through one streamlined application, students can be considered for opportunities with multiple employers.
“The National Space Intern program ensures that talented students from across the country have access to meaningful opportunities in the space industry,” said Melanie Stricklan, executive director of SWFT. “By connecting students with meaningful experiences and industry mentors, we’re creating pathways that empower students to turn their STEM studies into lasting careers.”
To be eligible for NSI, applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen
Be currently enrolled as a college or university student (undergraduate or graduate level)
Be pursuing a relevant field of study (including a wide range of disciplines that contribute to the space ecosystem)
Be able to commit to a 10-week internship during the program period
The program is designed to engage students from colleges and universities across the country and to open doors into the rapidly growing space workforce.