Talent Development and Innovation in Sciences (TDIS) Internship Program funded by National Science Foundation

Hiring Experienced Researchers to Optimize Ecosystems in STEM

 QEM NETWORK INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Talent Development and Innovation in Sciences (TDIS) Summer Internship is designed to complement students’ academic learning with rich summer experiences that are designed to develop them professionally and instill in them an appreciation for innovation in STEM-related programs, NSF-funded projects, and STEM careers.

The internship also increases a students’ awareness of the circumstances that prevent minority students from receiving a quality STEM education; as well as provide them opportunities to conduct research to become familiar with NSF programs and strategies to address issues related to under-representation in STEM. The interns participate in activities that further develop their personal and leadership skills, increase their awareness of policies and legislation that have an impact on STEM education, in general, and for under-served communities in particular, and increase the students’ understanding of how science policy is made as well as to further develop their potential as leaders and proponents for increasing the number of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities who pursue degrees and careers in STEM.

Science Policy-focused Internships at NSF

Provide undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to be mentored by program officers involved in making science policy and in implementing national programs focused on science and engineering. The experience is designed to increase the students’ understanding of how science policy is made as well as to further develop their potential for becoming leaders and proponents of increased participation in science and engineering by students from underrepresented minority groups

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM BENEFITS
Taxable stipends will be available for full-time participation in the entire ten-week program. Undergraduate students will receive taxable stipends of $6,000 and graduate will receive taxable stipends of $7,000. In keeping with federal regulations, stipends and campus housing are taxable and FICA taxes will be deducted. The stipend will be paid in three equal installments.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
The QEM Network Internship Program is a ten-week experience consisting of a four-day pre-internship orientation and a three-day orientation at NSF HQ and site assignment with a mentor/advisor, and a post-internship reflection meeting. During the nine-week site assignment, interns will work with their advisors and with other professionals at the respective sites. Specific assignments will be based on research interests and the areas in which mentors/advisors are working.
Interns are provided an opportunity to enhance their research and communication skills, apply and expand their knowledge, and further develop their leadership abilities in areas related to the education of minorities, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. 

Advisors at the National Science Foundation (NSF) will guide the work of interns by helping them develop their Individual Development Plans (IDPs); reviewing their progress on an on-going basis; and, when necessary, discussing new directions and options. Advisors will be encouraged to provide opportunities for interns to: (1) participate in general staff meetings and discussion groups, as appropriate; (2) make oral presentations on their experiences to others in the organization; and (3) work on projects that will provide maximum exposure to the organization’s activities.

 

Eligibility

  • Must be a US Citizen or National of the United States
  • Must complete at least the sophomore year and majoring in STEM from an accredited college or University
  • Graduating seniors must enter graduate school in the fall

 

Apply now for Summer 2025      |      Recommendation link

 

Meet the 2024 Interns

 

Disclaimer statement: This work is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2200451. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed on posted materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.