Call for NextGen Summer Internship Grant
About Organisation
NextGen is dedicated to fostering inclusive and impactful STEM experiences for undergraduate students across the United States. With a mission to bridge opportunity gaps, NextGen collaborates with U.S. Government agencies, contractors, and STEM-focused organizations to provide meaningful, hands-on internships. Their approach is rooted in individualized mentorship, robust professional development, and financial support to eliminate barriers to participation. By selecting students from diverse backgrounds, NextGen ensures that the future of STEM is inclusive, representative, and driven by fresh perspectives. Each internship is designed to not only provide technical knowledge but also cultivate a supportive learning environment through mentorship and structured activities. Participants work closely with professionals and mentors to build real-world skills and confidence in their chosen STEM fields. By empowering students through mentorship and necessity funding, NextGen is helping shape a more equitable and innovative future workforce. The organization’s commitment extends beyond a single summer, aiming to foster long-term success, leadership, and continued engagement in STEM. Interns are also encouraged to mentor future participants, building a cycle of support and shared growth. Through this transformative experience, NextGen stands as a catalyst for developing the next generation of STEM leaders.
About the Grant
The NextGen Summer Internship Grant provides undergraduate students with paid, immersive experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Designed to remove barriers and promote access, the program offers students a 10-week opportunity to work full-time on-site with a U.S. Government agency, contractor, or a STEM-centered organization. Interns receive structured mentorship from experienced professionals in their field, allowing them to gain hands-on experience, expand their networks, and build a solid foundation for future careers in STEM. Each internship includes dedicated guidance and support from both the host organization and the NextGen team, ensuring a rich and comprehensive learning environment. In addition to a $7,200 stipend, NextGen offers up to $4,800 in necessity funds to support interns’ living expenses such as transportation, housing, food, medical needs, equipment, and childcare. The program emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from students with varied backgrounds and life experiences. Participants are expected to engage fully in all internship-related activities, work closely with their assigned mentor, and contribute to growing the program by assisting in outreach and mentoring for future interns. This grant not only supports academic and professional growth but also fosters leadership, responsibility, and a sense of community.
Who can Apply?
The NextGen Summer Internship Grant is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in full-time STEM majors at accredited U.S.-based colleges and universities that maintain an official partnership with NextGen. To be eligible, applicants must have completed either their sophomore or junior year before the internship begins. Students must also provide documentation verifying their full-time enrollment and good academic standing. The program places strong emphasis on inclusion and encourages students from all backgrounds, including those traditionally underrepresented in STEM, to apply. Applicants should have a strong interest in gaining practical, hands-on experience in their respective fields and must be willing to fully commit to the 10-week internship period, working 40 hours per week on-site. Interns are expected to actively participate in scheduled activities, meet regularly with their assigned mentor, and contribute to program outreach and peer mentoring efforts in the future. Those who successfully complete the program and receive positive evaluations are eligible to reapply for a second summer internship. Necessity funding is also available to support interns facing financial barriers, helping ensure that lack of resources does not limit their ability to participate fully in the internship experience.
How to Apply?
Interested students must apply through the official NextGen application process, available beginning November 15, 2025. Applicants should prepare required academic documents, verify eligibility from their institution, and clearly indicate their STEM major and year of study. Applications must reflect commitment to full-time participation and may include a statement of interest, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit all required materials for the NextGen Summer Internship Grant is February 1, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for the internship.
Last Date To Apply
Students must complete and submit their applications by February 1, 2026, to be considered for the NextGen Summer Internship Program scheduled between May 26 and July 31, 2026.
Grant Amount
Interns receive a stipend of $7,200 for the full summer internship period, with an additional necessity fund of up to $4,800 to support costs like housing, food, travel, and essential services.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
