High School Internships at Sandia National Laboratories — 8 Reasons to Apply
For high schoolers considering a career in research or STEM, participating in research or lab internships can enhance college applications. These experiences are a good way to demonstrate your commitment to learning advanced STEM concepts and get exposure to real-world challenges. Colleges tend to view students who have completed internships as motivated and capable of handling rigorous academic environments. Internships can also help you discover potential career paths and build connections with professionals in your area of interest.
Our blog today focuses on the internships offered at Sandia National Laboratories and what makes them a valuable opportunity.
What are the internships at Sandia National Laboratories all about?
Sandia National Laboratories offers high school internships that allow you to contribute to cutting-edge research projects alongside scientists and engineers. The program is intended for motivated high school students interested in STEM. By participating, you can gain insights into the operations of a national laboratory, develop technical and problem-solving skills, and explore possible careers in science, technology, and engineering. Sandia also emphasizes fostering innovation, teamwork, and leadership, skills that will help you pursue advanced studies in STEM.
How is the internship program structured?
The Sandia high school internship program offers exposure to various facets of STEM research and operations. Three tiers of internships are offered:
Summer Internship: A 10-12 week, 40-hours-per-week internship that runs from May to the last week of August, open to all education levels.
Year-round Internship: Allows high school students to work up to 25 hours per week part-time at a Sandia site.
Co-Op Internship: If you are enrolled in your school’s official co-op program with Sandia, you can apply to take time off during the academic year to gain work experience at Sandia. This internship lets you work 40 hours a week for 3-8 months during the academic term or even the adjacent summer term.
Each internship provides mentorship from experienced professionals and opportunities to contribute to ongoing projects. You will typically engage in data analysis, programming, lab experiments, or technical documentation tasks. All internships are hosted at one of Sandia’s many laboratories, providing exposure to state-of-the-art tools and methodologies used in advanced research.
The internships are paid opportunities, and you will be expected to work like a full-time research assistant. There are clear deliverables to complete by the program’s end. This structure helps you build critical professional skills such as communication and project management.
Is it prestigious?
Sandia’s internship program is highly selective since it offers exclusive opportunities to work at one of the nation’s leading laboratories. The competitive selection process ensures that only the most capable students participate, enhancing the program’s reputation. Alumni of Sandia’s internships benefit from excellent networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with some of the top researchers and scientists in the country. This is in addition to the rigorous research experience and STEM knowledge you will gain by working in a laboratory. Being associated with Sandia can significantly boost your academic and professional profile.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply for Sandia’s high school internship program, you must meet the following requirements:
Be a full-time student at an accredited high school during the academic school year for a year-round or co-op internship OR during the spring term immediately preceding the summer internship.
Be at least 16 years old at the start of the internship.
Must be a U.S. citizen for internship positions that require security clearance.
Have maintained the following GPA:
3.0/4.0 for Research and Development (R&D), Technical, or Business positions.
2.5/4.0 for clerical or labor positions.
Additional prerequisites may apply depending on the specific internship project.
How does the application process work?
Applying for the Sandia internship is similar to applying for a job. You’ll need to create your profile on their Careers Tool, identify the internship(s) you are interested in, complete the online application, and provide your resume. You can check their search and application guide here, and make sure to read the Resume Best Writing Practices guide, as each resume is manually reviewed.
The application deadlines vary depending on the program, so it's essential to check Sandia’s website for the most up-to-date information.
8 reasons to apply to Sandia’s High School Internship Program
Excellent learning experience: You’ll work on real-world projects alongside leading researchers in Sandia’s facilities, gaining skills that classroom learning alone can’t provide.
Flexible internship options: Whether you just want a summer experience to explore STEM research or are serious about becoming a researcher, Sandia has an internship option for you and allows you to choose what to apply for.
Great mentorship opportunities: You will learn one-on-one from some of the best scientists and researchers in the country, who will guide you through technical challenges and career decisions.
Exposure to cutting-edge research: Your work can make you part of innovative projects that address national challenges, giving you insights into the latest advancements in STEM fields.
Skill development: You’ll enhance your technical skills in programming, data analysis, and lab techniques, as well as soft skills like teamwork and communication.
Networking: The internship allows you to build connections with peers and professionals in STEM, creating opportunities for future collaborations and career guidance.
Stipends and financial support: Sandia's internships offer sizable stipends, making it easier to participate without financial strain.
Pathway to future opportunities: Alumni often find it easier to access advanced educational programs and prestigious careers in STEM due to the skills and experience gained.
Conclusion
Sandia National Laboratories’ high school internship program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in STEM to gain hands-on experience, develop technical skills, and explore potential careers. With its multiple internship opportunities, outstanding mentorship, and rigorous selection criteria, the program is ideal for high-achieving students looking to enhance their academic profiles.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Sandia National Laboratories Logo