Apply To DEVELOP

JOIN DEVELOP

interested CANDIDATES, please take the following steps: 

1. Read through this page and our Online Application Guidelines in full.
2. Browse the Proposed Project List to understand the tentative list of opportunities. This list identifies which projects will be conducted in-person or virtually.
3. Learn about the different project locations on the Inside DEVELOP page. DEVELOP offers both in-person and virtual opportunities, depending on the project. The Proposed Project List will list the location of each project. Be sure to check whether a location is offering in-person or virtual projects.
4. Questions? First read our FAQs. If you are not able to find the answer you're looking for, contact us at NASA-DL-DEVELOP@mail.nasa.gov
5. Apply! Use the DEVELOP Application portal linked below to apply. Please note the time and time zone for the application deadline. NOTE: NASA DEVELOP 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.

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 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 20-29 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 DEVELOP location
• For virtual opportunities: Participants are required to be located and work from within the 50 U.S. states and/or Washington, DC for the duration of the 10-week term. Virtual participants are not authorized to work remotely from U.S. territories or outside the U.S..

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).

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 DEVELOP.
• After the selection process is complete, each applicant will receive notification regarding their status.

Do you have questions regarding an opportunity with DEVELOP? Please refer to the FAQ Section. For answers not available there, contact the National Program Office for additional information.

Logistics

The DEVELOP application and selection processes are managed on behalf of NASA by contractors. DEVELOP 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 DEVELOP location. The program does not fund or reimburse travel and/or living expenses.