OSGC provides paid internships with NASA Centers (NASA Academies), industry, and universities. Internships are open to students who are U. S. citizens enrolled in a STEM-related discipline at an Ohio college or university, or to students who are Ohio residents attending an out-of-state college or university. Underrepresented minority students, women, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. OSGC supported thirteen (13) internships in Summer, 2018 [8 at NASA Centers (4 at Glenn Research Center, one internship was awarded to a former female CC-STARS! Awardee. The OSGC collaborated with the Indiana Space Grant to share costs; 1 at Ames Research Center; 3 at Marshall Space Flight Center; 5 at OSGC Affiliate Universities (2 at Ohio Northern University; 1 at The Ohio State University; 1 at the University of Cincinnati; 1 at Wright State University)].

The internship program provides opportunities for undergraduate/graduate students to work with NASA/industry scientists and engineers on collaborative, hands-on research projects, over a 10-week period. The goal of the program is to increase student interest and experience in STEM-related research activities by immersing them into an environment ultimately leading to a permanent employment position in this area. This has also benefited the economy by strengthening NASAs workforce and engaging students in STEM research and technology.

OSGC NASA Center, industry, and university internship opportunities are sent to all current student OSGC award recipients and to Campus Representatives at each Ohio member university for dissemination. The opportunity is also posted on the OSGC website. Interested students apply through the NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) website. NASA Headquarters submits lists to OSGC Director. Mentors at the NASA Centers/Academies and industry make the selection, and final approval is given by the OSGC Director. An industry internship application was specifically developed by the OSGC and interested students return completed applications to the OSGC Main Office. The completed applications are forwarded to the industry partners where they are reviewed by a local selection committee and final awards are made. The NASA Academy internship stipend is $6,000. The industry/university internship stipend is $6,000 and is shared equally with a 50-50 split between OSGC and the industry and university partners. Additional funding may also be provided for travel expenses, if needed.

Completed applications of selected students are forwarded to the OSGC Main Office. Written award letters are sent to the recipients with an Acceptance Form that is returned to the OSGC Main Office. After the Acceptance Form is received, the student award stipends are processed. OSGC also works with industry Human Resources to place individual students dependent on the company needs and skill set.

Through this project, OSGC is investing in the Nations diverse STEM workforce with student research, real-world experiences, utilizing NASA education materials, and engagement of students in NASAs missions. They also support the National Space Grant Program goal to contribute to the Nations science enterprise, NASA current areas of emphasis and aligns with the following: NASAs Strategic Objective 2.4; NIFS LOB; API ED-18-1 and 2; and ACRA CoSTEM Report Objective 4, Points 3-5. In addition, 2.4.2: Continue to support STEM educators through the delivery of NASA education content and engagement in educator professional development opportunities. The program also mirrors OSGC Goal 1, Develop a diverse STEM workforce in Ohio and the Nation.