Next Generation STEM Internship Program

The Next Generation STEM Internship Program (NGSI) affords rising juniors and seniors from high schools or accredited home school programs in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon and Roane counties the opportunity to participate in STEM or STEM-related projects with researchers at ORNL.

Spring 2024 applications closed on October 23, 2023.

Summer 2024 applications are open now until February 22, 2024.

Students are expected to participate 40 hours per week. A maximum of 5 days (without stipend) may be missed during the appointment period, if necessary, for other commitments.

Program benefits include:

  • Weekly stipend of up to $500 based on 40 hours of participation each week
  • The opportunity to learn from world-reknown scientists and engineers
  • Optional professional development activities, including workshops, lab tours, lectures, poster sessions, seminars, and networking opportunities

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident at the time of application
  • Be a rising junior/senior or a recently graduated senior (within two years of graduation who has not yet enrolled in college) or in good standing at an accredited high school or enrolled in an accredited home school program in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Roane or Loudon County
  • Be at least 16 years of age by the time of appointment
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0

Participant Obligations:

  • Complete an online application via Zintellect
  • Obtain two recommendations, through the Zintellect application system, from a STEM teacher and principal (curriculum coordinator for home school students)
  • Complete pre- and post-appointment surveys
  • Behave in a responsible and professional manner
  • Avoid activities that interfere with the appointment period
  • Complete a report at the end of the appointment – rubric will be provided.

*Only applications with recommendations submitted from a principal and STEM teacher (curriculum coordinator for home school students) by the deadline will be considered for selections.

For more information about high school opportunities, please email [email protected].

Podcast: Former NEXTGENS participant talks about her experience at ORNL

Julia Steed is a senior at Oak Ridge High School. She spent part of her summer alongside Catherine Schuman, a research scientist who specializes in artificial intelligence at ORNL. Steed’s experience in the Next Generation STEM Internship Program at ORNL has fueled her interest in computer science. She and Schuman discuss the research they conducted, the importance of mentorship for young scientists and the importance of the NEXTGENS program.