The Space Astronomy Summer Program provides students a fun, educational experience within a team-spirited environment. Students will receive a comparable monetary stipend, housing assistance, and travel to and from Baltimore.
It 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.
We have three broad goals for our student participants.
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Expose advanced undergraduates to forefront research in astrophysics, and the workings of a space-based observatory.Not every student who comes to STScI is involved in an astronomical research project, but all students can hear about the research done at STScI and with Hubble. Students will also learn of the other work done at the Institute to support our missions.
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Furnish participants with opportunities for growth, achievement, and personal development.For many students, coming to STScI will be a unique experience, more focused and concentrated than they have had before. While here, summer students will discuss with our staff the steps in the career path of a research astronomer; the practicalities of initiating and carrying through major projects.
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Place students in a cohort of friends and colleagues for their future.
Astronomy is a human undertaking, yet it remains a small profession. Developing and maintaining contacts among colleagues and peers can be vital in a successful career.
The 2013 summer program will run for 10 weeks, starting Monday, June 17, and ending Friday, August 23th. Unfortunately, we cannot accept participants requiring other start dates, or who cannot stay for the entire 10-week program. This year will be the 21st consecutive year for the STScI Summer Student Program.
Summer Student Stipend and Subsidies
The intern stipend for the 2013 SASP will be $600 per week or $6000 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 Wednesday, January 02 through Wednesday January 23, 2013.
Apply at http://www.stsci.edu:8072/institute/smo/students/applications
Reference letters may be submitted up through Wednesday, January 30, 2013. Details regarding submission of reference letters are automatically sent via e-mail once a completed application has been submitted.
