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JOIN EarthRISE Developers Academy

The summer 2026 application window will close on Friday, March 6th 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Late applications will not be accepted.

interested CANDIDATES, please take the following steps: 

1. Read through this page and our Application Guidelines in full.
2. Learn about the different EarthRISE Developers Academy location and project information for the summer 2026 term. EarthRISE Developers Academy offers both in-person and virtual project opportunities. Additional information about the project offerings may be added throughout the application window.
3. Questions? First read our FAQs. If you are not able to find the answer you're looking for, contact us at NASA-DL-ERDA@mail.nasa.gov
4. Apply! Use the EarthRISE Developers Academy application portal linked below to apply. Please note the time and time zone for the application deadline. Applications cannot be submitted after 11:59p ET on Friday, March 6th - no exceptions! NOTE: EarthRISE Developers Academy prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI- assisted tools, to include but not limited to ChatGPT, in drafting application responses. Any application found to have used AI or AI- assisted tools will be automatically disqualified.

Click here for the EarthRISE Developers Academy online application

Term Calendar

Participant eligibility

General Eligibility Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age by the start of the term for which you are applying
• Demonstrated experience and skills in Earth and environmental sciences, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and/or computer science
• U.S. citizenship or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status is required to apply to any in-person or virtual EarthRISE Developers Academy opportunities
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (either cumulative or most recent) from the current or most recent institution of higher learning
• Ability to work 25-29 hours per week during the 10-week term during regular business hours for each location (typically 9am - 5pm Monday through Thursday)
• For in-person opportunities: Participants must have the ability to provide personal transportation to and from the EarthRISE Developers Academy location
• For virtual opportunities: Participants must reside and work within the 50 U.S. states or Washington, D.C. for the entire term; remote work from U.S. territories or outside the U.S. is not permitted

Note: In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirements stated above, each applicant must meet the following requirements specific to their applicant classification (as outlined below).

participant classifications

Currently Enrolled Students: Students who are currently enrolled at a U.S. accredited community college, undergraduate or graduate college or university. Open to all majors. Must provide evidence of enrollment at an accredited U.S. school (acceptance letter or current unofficial transcripts).

Recent Graduates: Individuals who have graduated with an undergraduate or graduate degree from a U.S. accredited college or university within the past two years. Must provide evidence of successful graduation from a college or university (diploma or transcript showing graduation).

Early/Transitioning Career Professionals: Individuals who are pursuing further experience in the Earth sciences and remote sensing, transitioning to a new career field, and/or have at least two years of work experience in a professional environment (including transitioning/recently transitioned veterans from the U.S. Armed Forces).

Location & Project Information

Summer 2026

NASA Langley Research Center (Hampton, Virginia): NASA Langley Research Center is one of the earliest aeronautics research centers of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics founded in 1915, the precursor to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Today, Langley is known for its supersonic flight programs, fabrication research and machines, and its heavy focus on scientific research through airborne and atmospheric science. The EarthRISE Developers Academy is managed on-site by the Langley EarthRISE Office.

Tentative summer 2026 project themes include monitoring land use change to inform the conservation of prime agricultural land, quantifying urban heat hazards and drivers, atmospheric pollutants and air quality monitoring, and disasters.

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, Alabama): NASA Marshall Space Flight Center has played a key role at the agency, from the earliest space launch vehicles and scientific satellites to the groundbreaking Apollo lunar missions and today’s Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond. The Academy is co-located with the Marshall EarthRISE Project Office, housed within the National Space and Science Technology Center (NSSTC) at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The NSSTC conducts a variety of research, including Earth and atmospheric sciences, space science, and engineering. 

Tentative summer 2026 project themes include ecological conservation and identifying lunar regolith and surface characteristics using radar data.

Colorado State University (Fort Collins, Colorado): Academy projects at Colorado State University are hosted by the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL). NREL began in 1968 as a world leader in grassland research. Science Advisors hold a broad array of ecological research interests examined in the context of space and time through a suite of integrative spatial modeling techniques that combine field data, traditional and expert knowledge, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and spatial statistics.

Tentative summer 2026 project themes include rangelands and grazing management, and post-fire aspen expansion.

EarthRISE Developers Academy Virtual Opportunities: A limited number of projects are available for virtual participation each term. Participants must reside and work within the 50 U.S. states or Washington, D.C. for the entire term; remote work from U.S. territories or outside the U.S. is not permitted.

Tentative summer 2026 project themes include invasive species distribution and monitoring, harmful algal blooms and water quality indicators to support coastal aquaculture and food security, and water scarcity and drought.

Application guidelines overview

Important information regarding the application process:

• Applications must be submitted within the set application window.
• Applications can be started, saved as a draft, and then returned to for completion.
• Recommendation forms are filled out and submitted online. Recommenders will receive an email with the link and instructions to complete the form once the applicant has added and saved their recommenders’ information.
• Applications that are submitted, but not complete (missing recommendation forms) may not be considered.
• Applications are reviewed by the National Program Office and the locations to which the candidate applied.
• Interviews may be conducted over video conference, phone, or in-person at the discretion of EarthRISE Developers Academy.
• After the selection process is complete, each applicant will receive notification regarding their status.

Do you have questions regarding an opportunity with EarthRISE Developers Academy? Please refer to the FAQ Section. For answers not available there, contact the Langley EarthRISE Office for additional information.

Logistics

The EarthRISE Developers Academy application and selection processes are managed on behalf of NASA by contractors. EarthRISE Developers Academy participants are classified as contract employees. Applicants who accept an in-person opportunity must participate onsite at their selected location. Participants are responsible for their own housing, living expenses and transportation to and from the EarthRISE Developers Academy location. The program does not fund or reimburse travel and/or living expenses.