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SURF@JPL

Special Note for SURF@JPL 2024
JPL is operating under a continuing resolution (meaning they are waiting for approval from Congress of NASA's 2024 budget). Additionally, due to other factors, JPL is concerned about a potential budget decrease. This will impact the number of summer internships available. We are working closely with JPL leadership to minimize the impact, but you can expect that AOs will likely not get posted until later this term. To accommodate this later timeline we will offer a second SURF@JPL application deadline. (This extension is for SURF@JPL only.)

  • Students who find a JPL mentor early are encouraged to apply by the regular February 22 deadline. For applicants who meet this deadline, awards will be announced on April 1.
  • Students who find a JPL mentor later will need to apply by April 19. Awards for this round of applications will be announced on May 6.
    Students are also encouraged to apply to the JPL SIP program, which has an application deadline of March 29. For more information about SIP, visit:     https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/intern/apply/summer-internship-program/

    The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)@JPL provides students the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of experienced mentors at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

SURF@JPL is modeled on the grant-seeking process:

  • Students collaborate with a potential mentor to define and develop a project
  • Applicants write research proposals as part of the application process
  • JPL technical staff review the proposals and recommend awards
  • Students carry out the work over a 10-week period during the summer
  • At the conclusion of the program, students submit a technical paper and give an oral presentation

In 2024, SURF@JPL Fellows will receive a $9,600 award for the ten-week period.

To enrich the research experience, SURF@JPL Fellows are invited to attend the following:

  • Weekly seminars by Caltech faculty & JPL scientists and engineers
  • An academic and professional development series on developing a research career, graduate school admissions, and other topics of interest to future researchers
  • Effective writing workshops
  • Social and cultural activities
  • Weekly small student-faculty dinners
  • Special field trips