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 through a beginner-friendly program. 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.
About the Program
Student researchers work under the guidance of a faculty member, postdoctoral scholar, or research scientist at a Space Grant affiliate institution. 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 9-week program to broaden their skill sets for their academic and professional journey.
Eligibility
- Be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident.
- Have demonstrated financial need via FAFSA or WASFA application.
- Currently enrolled in any WASG institution.
- Must be available for the entire duration of the 9-week program, June 23 - Aug 22, 2025 for approximately 20 hr/wk.
- 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.
Students from underrepresented backgrounds (American Indian/Alaska Native, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and Southeast Asian), individuals with disabilities, and first-generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: February 14, 2025 @12pm.
- Award notification will begin mid-March.
- Award funds will be distributed evenly across the 9 week program.
- Questions: Drop-in Office Hour via Zoom.
- Thursday Jan 9; 4:30 - 5:00pm
- Thursday Jan 30; 5:00 - 5:30pm
- Wednesday Feb 5; 4:00 - 4:30pm
Program Schedule & Expectations
- Program Dates: June 23 - Aug 22, 2025.
- Time Commitment: Appx 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 on August 20, 2025, at UW - Seattle campus.
- 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 hours.
- Program deliverables:
- Update resume or online professional profile.
- Create an academic research poster.
- Present in the UW Summer STEM Undergraduate Research Poster Session on Aug 20, 2025, time TBD. In-person attendance is required.
Application Essays Questions
- Academic Goal and Motivation
What are your career goals and how do you think they 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 social impact. Describe your specific contribution to any initiative, project, or organization that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) to your community that aligns with this value. Your example activity does not have to be STEM-related. (150-200 words)
- Lived Experience
Describe how your lived experience contributed to your pursuit of a STEM degree? (150-200 words)
- Contribution to Cohort
Washington Space Grant is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community to all students through community-building activities. Describe how you will contribute to the Space Grant cohort (50-100 words)
Essay Tips
- Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards provides general scholarship application tips.
- What is Lived Experience? Check out this guide from the Office of Human Services Policy.
- NASA Space Grant’s objectives include recruiting and training U.S. citizens and residents, especially women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities. In your essay responses, highlight how your experience and goals align with Space Grant’s objective.
- We place a strong emphasis on the driving force or motivation behind your academic pursuits. We are not expecting you to explain entirely new original research ideas.
- Your application will be evaluated on the following categories: Academic Goal and Motivation, Public Service, Lived Experiences, and Contribution to Cohort
For more information and/or to apply:
https://forms.gle/tQa3iv1WLxYs8cBS7
Deadline: 02/14/2025 12:00 Pacific Time