NESSI FAQs

Applications for the 2026 NESSI are now open until January 4, 2026!

Applicants must be available to participate full-time (40 hours/week) during the 11-week program. Program dates are May 18 - July 31, 2026.
Undergraduates completing their sophomore year or higher are eligible.
Must currently be enrolled in a U.S. university or college.
Must be a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or authorized to work in the U.S. to be eligible for the NESSI program.
- For F1 visa students that are accepted to the NESSI program: a CPT work authorization issued through a U.S. Designated School Official (DSO) or OPT issued through both a DSO and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be required.

Paid a competitive hourly wage for a 40 hour work week
Travel accommodations to and from Boulder, CO (beginning and end of program)
Housing at the University of Colorado’s Bear Creek Apartments to be shared with up to three other participants
Weekly professional development workshops
Networking and social opportunities with professionals and other interns
Opportunity to gain skills in presenting research in a conference setting

Ability to work with a group of peers
Skill in the use of software for communication purposes (Google and/or Microsoft suite of applications)
Ability and willingness to learn and use scientific computing tools and programs
Good oral and written communication skills
Basic problem-solving skills
Ability to analyze data and draw conclusions
Potential to excel in a scientific career
Basic knowledge of mathematics, computer science, or engineering - through coursework
Ability to interact with mentors & peers in a manner that supports collaboration and inquiry
Ability and willingness to work within the guidelines and policies of the organization and assigned work groups

***For tips on the ethical use of AI in applications, please read this document- Guidelines for the Use of AI Tools in Application Materials ***

Review eligibility and academic standing requirements listed above.
Obtain an unofficial transcript from your college or university. You can likely download a free copy from your school's Student Portal.
Reach out to professors and others to act as references. **Please note: We do not collect or accept recommendation letters, only reference contact information. We may reach out to these references when making our final selection.
Update your resume/CV
Write a not-to-exceed two-page cover letter clearly describing each of the following:

Motivation for applying: Describe why you are interested in an internship at NSF NCAR. What aspects of NSF NCAR’s mission, research areas, or mentorship opportunities most appeal to you?
Research Interests: Briefly summarize your primary research interests or topics you are most curious about within the Earth system sciences.
Educational & Career Goals: Please describe how an internship would benefit your education and career goals. Discuss what you hope to contribute to the internship cohort and NESSI program.

6. Prepare your application packet.

Make each document a separate PDF, and upload them into Workday in the prompted file.

(1.) Cover Letter, (2.) Resume/CV, (3.)Transcript

Example : “1. Cover Letter- YourLastName_YourFirstName”

7. Apply through Workday.

Applications are now OPEN - APPLY HERE
Upload reference contact information and other information requested on the questionnaire
*TIP* When uploading your initial resume/CV, the system will scan your resume and autofill prior job information. You only need to list one (1) prior job in the system, so you can save time by removing any additional positions. Please note that the system requires at least one (1) prior job entry to proceed.
*TIP* Desired Salary: We have a set hourly salary for interns, which is not open to negotiation. You can put "N/A."