The NASA Goddard Summer Internship Program 2026 is now open for applications — inviting high school students aged 16 and above to work alongside scientists, engineers, and researchers developing cutting-edge space and Earth science technologies at the Goddard Space Flight Center. News24

This isn't a shadowing exercise or a classroom simulation. Selected interns work on real projects spanning space science, Earth observation, astrophysics, computer science, and engineering — all while receiving direct mentorship from experienced NASA professionals.

 The experience is designed to do one thing above all else: show young people what a career in space actually looks like from the inside, before they've even chosen a college major.

To be eligible, students must be 16 or older and must live within 50 miles of the Goddard Space Flight Center during the summer programme. News24 It's a geographic filter, not an academic one — which means the door is wider than most students assume.

The application deadline is April 17, 2026.