[California Institute of Technology](https://www.caltech.edu)

March 9, 2027 (Full application & letters of recommendation)

$9,600 award for a 10-week summer period; no housing or travel allowance provided

Summer research fellowship for undergraduates to conduct mentored research at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, including seminars and professional development.

--- ## Description The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)@JPL program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on research at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Participants collaborate with experienced mentors to develop a research proposal, which is reviewed by JPL technical staff. Over a 10-week summer period, students conduct their research, culminating in a technical paper and an oral presentation. The program includes weekly seminars, professional development workshops, writing workshops, social activities, and field trips to enrich the research experience. --- ## Due Dates - March 9, 2027: Full application deadline (including research proposal and all materials) - March 9, 2027: Letters of recommendation deadline All application materials, including recommendations, must be submitted by the deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - Each SURF@JPL Fellow receives a $9,600 award for the 10-week summer program. - Housing and travel allowances are **not** provided, but participants may opt to live in Caltech dormitories at the summer guest housing rate. --- ## Eligibility - **Open to:** Caltech and non-Caltech undergraduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). - **Citizenship:** U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) only. - **Academic standing:** - Caltech students: Minimum 2.00 GPA, must have completed their third term, and be eligible for fall term registration before the program starts. - Non-Caltech students: Minimum 2.50 GPA, must have completed their second semester or third quarter. - **Other requirements:** Must not be under disciplinary sanction. Full-time commitment (40 hours/week) is required; participants may not enroll in other courses or hold other jobs during the program. --- ## Application Process 1. **Identify and contact a mentor** at JPL or Caltech before applying. Review the [Announcements of Opportunity](http://announcements.surf.caltech.edu/index.cfm?event=ShowAOPublicList&inFrame=&type=SURF&formType=AO_JPL) for available research projects. 2. **Develop a research proposal** in collaboration with your mentor. 3. **Submit an online application** via the [SFP Online system](https://sfponline.caltech.edu/). 4. **Required materials:** - Research proposal (written by applicant) - Two confidential letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member; not from your prospective JPL mentor) - Unofficial transcript (non-Caltech students) 5. **Recommendations:** Recommenders submit letters directly online; ensure their information is provided well in advance. 6. **Selection:** Proposals are evaluated by mentors and faculty. Awards are announced by April 1. --- ## Additional Information - The program is intended for students who are enthusiastic about research and interested in developing skills for a research career. - Projects should have significant intellectual content and potential for publication. - Returning SURF participants are expected to submit more advanced proposals. - Weekly seminars, workshops, and social events are included as part of the fellowship experience. --- ## External Links - [SURF@JPL Program Page](https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/programs/surfjpl) - [Application Information & Instructions](https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/programs/surfjpl/application-information) - [JPL Education - Caltech SURF](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/internships/apply/caltech-summer-undergraduate-research-fellowship/) - [SFP Online Application Portal](https://sfponline.caltech.edu/) - [Finding a Mentor](https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/getting-started/finding_a_mentor) - [Proposal Guidelines](https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/proposal) --- ## Contact Information | Office/Contact | Email | Phone | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------| | JPL Education Office - Student & Faculty Programs | [internships@jpl.nasa.gov](mailto:internships@jpl.nasa.gov) | (818) 354-1260 | | Caltech General Contact | [Contact Page](https://www.caltech.edu/contact) | (626) 395-6811 |

SURF@JPL

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