Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program
This is an 8‑week full-time in-person research internship from mid‑June to early August, where students work side‑by‑side with faculty and researchers on cutting‑edge projects across diverse STEM fields. Interns gain experience with sophisticated equipment, scientific writing, communication, and career exploration including poster presentations. Although there is a $25 application fee, it is free to participate.
Eligibility and Application Information
Applicants must be in high school (15+ for remote/computer labs; 16+ for wet‑lab roles). The online application opens by early January, closes in February, and includes transcripts, essay, optional fee waiver, followed by mentor review, interviews, and offers by early April. Accepted interns start on June 18, 2025, attend an orientation, and conclude with a poster session on August 8.
Pay
Interns do not receive a stipend or hourly salary and must fund their own living expenses. The only cost is the $25 application fee, which may be waived for financial need. While unpaid, participants benefit from lab access, mentorship, and potential publication opportunities.
Prestige
ASSIP is nationally recognized for its transformative research opportunities and has a strong record of intern contributions being published or presented in scientific venues. Participants often report transformative experiences—one noted it was “probably the most beneficial and impactful experience I have had in my life so far,” with some even filing patents before college.