Geo-Launchpad
Geo-Launchpad
Ready to embark on a summer of geophysical learning? The Geo-Launchpad Program (GLP) is not just an internship – it’s your ticket to an unforgettable science experience! Open exclusively to community college students in the U.S., GLP is designed to spark your passion for geophysics and propel you into an exciting world of opportunities.
Applications closed? Add your email address to our Internship Interest form to be the first to know when the next round of applications open!
Program Highlights
Get Paid to Learn: Dive into a paid summer internship with a stipend of $800/week– because your passion should pay off!
Start Strong: Kick off the summer during an in-person orientation week filled with hands-on learning, new friendships, and connections that last well beyond the internship.
Home Sweet Housing: Enjoy free shared housing during an in-person orientation week! A housing stipend will be issued to interns to help cover the cost of living at their project placement. Interns are responsible for securing their own housing.
Launch Your Geoscience Journey: No research experience? No problem! Geo-Launchpad welcomes all levels of curiosity and experience.
What to Expect
Unleash Your Inner Scientist: Work on real projects with a mentor, dive into the details, and get hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
Professional Development: Boost your skills beyond academics – from crafting a killer resume to acing interviews. Past workshops covered everything from science poster creation to effective science communication to learning about the several diverse career pathways in geophysics.
Mentorship Magic: Forge connections with peers and professionals who’ve been in your shoes, offering mentorship and support during the summer and beyond.
Fieldwork Fun: Many (but not all) mentor projects include the opportunity for summer interns to spend some time outside working with instrumentation.
Attend a Conference: Students who complete the internship in good standing have the opportunity to receive funding to attend a fall conference to present their summer project.
Beyond Summer: Connections forged with fellow interns and professionals, as well as geoscience faculty, can jump start your academic and career journey.
Ready to Ignite Your Passion for Geophysics?
Does Geo-Launchpad sound like the program for you? Learn about eligibility requirements below*. You do not need to have prior research experience to apply!
At the time of applications, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States or its possessions.
- Be enrolled and currently attending classes in a U.S.-based community college through the current academic year (through spring) with plans to transfer to a 4-year university.
- Be at least 18 years old by the start of the summer program (mid-May).
- Have an interest in science, technology, or engineering.
- Have completed or are currently enrolled in college algebra (or equivalent).
- Have completed or are currently enrolled in at least one science course.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
* While we have created a list of minimum qualifications for the program, the selection committee takes a holistic approach to the selection process.
No prior research experience is required!
Application Instructions
You must complete an application within the Submittable system to be considered for this internship.
Please have your official or unofficial transcripts in PDF form ready to attach to the application.
Additional information:
- You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit to these forms.
- You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.
- If anything changes with the information you submitted, please request to edit the submission.
- Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser.
- We will follow-up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.
Application Questions
To apply, please prepare responses to the application short answer “Getting to Know You” questions. Each has a response limit of 200 words. We strongly encourage applicants to respond to the questions on a separate document, have a trusted person review your work, then copy/paste your responses into the application! The questions shown below are from the most recent application period and are subject to change in future application cycles.
"Getting to Know You" questions:
- Tell us about a time you noticed something interesting about the Earth System and wanted to understand it better. What questions did you ask yourself? How did you explore or investigate it?
- Please indicate which topics interest you the most in the Earth sciences and include 1-2 sentences on why you find these topics interesting.
- How would participation in the internship help you explore your interests and develop new skills or tools?
- How have your background and lived experiences helped prepare you to contribute to and benefit from this program? You may also share any experiences or circumstances that have shaped your academic journey.
- What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? (It need not be related to science or academia.) What does this achievement say about you as a learner, collaborator, or community member?
- (Optional) Please share any additional information about yourself not addressed by this application, or any concerns you have with participating in the program.
Frequently asked questions
What will I do as an intern?
- Attend an in-person orientation week.
- Spend eleven weeks working full time (~40 hours per week).
- Complete a project under the guidance of a mentor.
- Present at the end of the internship.
- Participate in activities such as science communication and professional development workshops, field trips, and presenting at a national conference in the fall.
- Learn, grow, and have fun!
Where will I work?
The start of the summer begins with an in-person orientation week with interns across EarthScope internship programs. Geo-Launchpad projects take place in-person across the United States, at institutions such as colleges, universities, and local and federal government agencies. Project mentors provide a proper working space for their intern. (Remote internships are occasionally available.)
Will I get to pick my project?
We will do our best to assign you a project that matches your interests. However, we cannot guarantee specific projects, and project topics will depend on the current work of the project mentors.
When do applications open and when will the program take place?
Applications typically open in late fall and close on February 15 each year. The summer internship program begins in late May and runs until the middle of August.
Is there help with housing?
Yes, free housing is provided to all interns during orientation week. A housing stipend will be issued to interns in early May and interns are responsible for securing their own housing at their project placement.
Is there help with travel?
Yes, the program provides financial assistance with travel to orientation week, your project location, and a national conference for interns in good standing.
Can I take summer classes?
Enrollment in coursework that overlaps with the summer internship program is not advised as you will be expected to work during the core hours of the day (typically 9am-5pm).
I have a summer vacation planned — can I still participate?
We require that interns are available to participate for all 11 weeks of the program. While we can accommodate a sick day or two, this is a strict requirement.
I have children. Can I bring them with me or go visit them?
You should apply, and if you are accepted, we will discuss what kind of arrangements would be best for your family and we will make every effort to meet those needs.
How is this program different from other internships offered?
- The NSF National Geophysical Facility offers multiple internship opportunities at various academic levels, beginning with Geo-Launchpad at the community college level.
- The Geo-Launchpad internship is designed for community college students (only) who are early in their academic career with no prior research experience.
- Our research internship, RESESS, is targeted at upper division undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in the geosciences and serves as an authentic research experience.
- The Student Career Internship Program offers internships that are real-world work experiences for upper division undergraduates, graduates, and post-graduates that relate to the students’ major or career goal.
Questions? Please contact internships@earthscope.org.
The Geo-Launchpad Program is a summer internship program dedicated to introducing early academic career students to research. This program is hosted by EarthScope Consortium, the operator of the NSF National Geophysical Facility, and funded by the National Science Foundation.