Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)
2027-28 Application Opens November 30, 2026
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) offers paid research opportunities for undergraduate students with limited research experience to explore a new environment and network with mentors. This summer research program helps students decide if they want to pursue a research career. Participants will receive a $4100 stipend award to offset living expenses during this learning experience.
Student researchers work under the guidance of a faculty member, postdoctoral scholar, or research scientist at a Space Grant affiliate institution or UW department. Some projects may involve off-campus locations or fieldwork. You can view examples of previous student work here.
In addition, students will participate in professional development workshops throughout the 9-week program to broaden their skill sets for their academic and professional journey.
Eligibility
- U.S. Citizen Only.
- Currently enrolled in any WA State institution.
- Open to students in STEM degree programs. Some degree programs are ineligible, reference the STEM Degree Program List. If you are unsure, email nasa@uw.edu to ask.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must be available for the entire duration of the 9-week program, for approximately 20 hr/wk.
- Must be able to travel to UW Seattle campus, in person, for the entire duration of the program.
- Priority is given to undergraduate students with limited (less than 1 year) research experience, such as working as a research lab assistant or tech, participating in student club technical projects, or interning in private industry labs.
Program Description
- Time Commitment: Approx 20 hours per week (includes cohort meetings and research with faculty mentor).
- Required to attend all cohort meetings, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Attend and present at the in-person Poster Symposium UW – Seattle campus, during the last week of the program.
- The $4100 stipend award will be evenly distributed over the 9-week program.
- Communicate with your research lead to establish an understanding of project work and schedule.
Program Deliverables:
- Present at the in-person poster symposium; during the last week of the program at UW – Seattle campus. In-person attendance is required.
- Update resume or online professional profile.
- Create an academic research poster.
Application Open: Nov 30, 2026
Application Closed: Feb 24, 2027
Selection Interview: March 2027
Selection Notification: Mid-April 2027
Research Mentor & SURP Student Meet and Greet: May 2027
Student Orientation: June 2027
Program Dates: June 20 – Aug 20, 2027
Research Poster Symposium: TBD. The last week of summer quarter (Aug. 16 – Aug. 20, 2027), In-person at UW – Seattle campus
Below are the essay questions you will be asked in your application. See our essay tips (located at the bottom of this page) for additional resources.
Academic Goal and Motivation
Briefly explain how your educational and/or career goals align with NASA’s mission to “explore the unknown in air and space, innovate for the benefit of humanity, and inspire the world through discovery”? (150-200 words)
Note: We’re not looking for the most unique research idea! We want to hear how you plan to use your education.
Public Service
Space Grant values meaningful contributions to the community and social impact. Describe your specific contribution to any initiative(s), project(s), or organizations.(150-200 words)
Note: Your description does not have to be STEM-related.
Lived Experiences
Describe how your lived experience contributed to your pursuit of a STEM degree? (150-200 words)
Note: See definition of lived experience
Contribution to Cohort
Washington Space Grant (WASG) Program is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community to all students through various student engagement and networking opportunities. Describe how you will contribute to the Space Grant community and what you’re looking forward to gaining from this program.
(50-100 words)
- How long does the program last?
- 9-week program. The program is the full summer term.
- 9-week program. The program is the full summer term.
- Will there be an interview?
- Top candidates will receive an interview during March.
- Top candidates will receive an interview during March.
- What is the time commitment?
- This is a 9-week, part-time program (20 hours per week). The schedule is designed to be an intensive summer experience to allow you to gain significant research skills and professional development time without long-term scheduling conflicts. Full engagement with your mentor, peers, and cohort activities is essential to building research skills and developing your career skills.
- This is a 9-week, part-time program (20 hours per week). The schedule is designed to be an intensive summer experience to allow you to gain significant research skills and professional development time without long-term scheduling conflicts. Full engagement with your mentor, peers, and cohort activities is essential to building research skills and developing your career skills.
- What does a typical SURP week look like?
- A typical participant dedicates approximately 20 hours per week:
- SURP cohort meetings for 1 hour on Tuesdays and 1 hour on Fridays.
- 17 hours working with their research group during business hours; exact hours determined in collaboration with the student and mentor.
- SURP students often will need to be available for research groups weekly or bi-weekly meetings. Participants are expected to adjust their schedule to fully participate in the research activities.
- Optional social events with your peer group and explore career options.
- A typical participant dedicates approximately 20 hours per week:
- Do you offer housing options?
- Participants arrange their own housing. This program works well for students who live locally or can commute to UW campus regularly.
- Participants arrange their own housing. This program works well for students who live locally or can commute to UW campus regularly.
- Is research experience required?
- No prior research experience is necessary. This program is open to everyone and is specifically designed for students with limited or no research experience to explore whether a research career paths
- No prior research experience is necessary. This program is open to everyone and is specifically designed for students with limited or no research experience to explore whether a research career paths
- I am graduating this year. Can I apply?
- Participants must be pursuing their first degree at the time the program starts. If you graduate before SURP begins, you will not meet the enrollment eligibility requirements.
- Participants must be pursuing their first degree at the time the program starts. If you graduate before SURP begins, you will not meet the enrollment eligibility requirements.
- What degree programs or majors qualify for this opportunity? I am pursuing a STEM degree, but I’m not sure if it counts as eligible.
- All STEM Degree Program listed here support NASA’s Mission. While medical fields may incorporate aspects of STEM, standard clinical training tracks or patient care majors are ineligible (ex: nursing, pre-med, CNA, phlebotomy, etc.).
- All STEM Degree Program listed here support NASA’s Mission. While medical fields may incorporate aspects of STEM, standard clinical training tracks or patient care majors are ineligible (ex: nursing, pre-med, CNA, phlebotomy, etc.).
- I’m in high school. Can I apply?
- Must be 18 years or older by application due date. This program is intended for students who have already graduated high school. This is not a bridge program.