Summer Student Program

What is the SSP?

Each summer the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) brings college undergraduates and beginning graduate students to Baltimore, Maryland to work with our staff. The program runs for ten weeks, with a focus on one-on-one interactions between the students and their supervisors. STScI summer students are paid $12.50 per hour, or $500 per week for the ten weeks of the program. As noted elsewhere, we will also pay for the costs of transportation to and from Baltimore. STScI supports the science operations of the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, as well as other smaller missions. Summer interns have participated in many of our areas of work, including astrophysical research, the presentation of science results to the public, and support of space missions.

Astrophysical research

STScI is one of the world's premier astronomical research institutions, and our scientific staff of over 100 astronomers is at the forefront of some of the most exciting work going on today. Our astrophysics spans the Universe, from the study of our own solar system, to nearby stars with planets, star formation, the structure of the Milky Way, the composition of nearby galaxies, and on to the early Universe, dark energy, and the formation of the first galaxies.

Presenting Hubble images and science results to the public

STScI also specializes in making the results of astrophysical research accessible to the public. Past summer interns have worked in such areas as:

1. Science writing, and preparing research for the press.
2. Image analysis and web presentation of research results, including the Hubble Heritage program.
3. Creation and support of Google Sky.
4. Curriculum development for schools.
5. Astronomical artwork, scientific animation and video production.

Space mission support

The effective use of modern telescopes requires extensive and sophisticated software for mission planning, observer preparation, and data reduction and analysis. STScI works in all these areas and also in database creation and support.

Goals for the program

The STScI Summer Student Program (SSP) has three broad goals for our student participants.

1. Expose advanced undergraduates to forefront research in astrophysics.

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.

2. 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; alternative careers for scientists, and other roles that support modern science missions.

3. Place students in a cohort of friends and colleagues for their future.

Astronomy is a human undertaking, just as any other kind of work, yet astronomy remains a small profession. Developing and maintaining contacts among colleagues and peers can be vital in a successful career.

On this site you can read about:

1. What the SSP is about and the opportunities that are available.
2. How to apply: Information needed, deadlines, who can apply, etc.
3. What to expect as a student: finding a place to live and working at STScI.
4. Who has been here as a student in past years.
5. Some Frequently Asked Questions.