Next Generation STEM Internship Program

Young woman in lab coat standing in front of lab bench
Updated:

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

Spring 2027 applications are open until October 21, 2026.

Next Generation STEM Internship Program (NGSI) Details

  • Appointments are for 16-17 weeks.
  • Participants are expected to participate part-time each week. A maximum of five days (without stipend) may be missed during the appointment period, if necessary, for other commitments.
  • Appointments will start on January 26, 2027, and end on May 15, 2027, or May 22, 2027. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
  • Appointments will be conducted virtually.
  • $125 per week stipend based on part-time participation each week.
  • Program provides the opportunity to learn from world-renowned scientists and engineers.
  • Program offers 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 (LPR) at the time of application
  • Be a high school junior or senior for the 2026-2027 academic year (expected graduation in 2027 or 2028) OR
  • Have graduated high school during the 2024-2025 or 2025-2026 academic calendar and not yet started classes in a degree-seeking program at a regionally accredited college or university (including accredited community colleges) at the time of application
  • Be in good standing at an accredited high school or enrolled in an accredited home school program in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Knox, Loudon, McMinn, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, or Sevier County in Tennessee
  • Be at least 16 years of age by the appointment start date
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00
  • Provide proof of health insurance coverage
  • Complete a Zintellect application, including one recommendation from a STEM teacher or principal, or curriculum coordinator for home school students.
  • Recommendations must be submitted through the Zintellect application system.

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.

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Julia Steed outdoor portrait

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.

LISTEN HERE

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for educational programs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.