Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sept. 24, 2026 — Space Foundation, through its strategic initiative Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), is now accepting registrations for the National Space Intern (NSI) program, giving college students pursuing STEM fields an opportunity to gain experience and build connections within the space industry.

NSI connects students with leading space companies through internships, professional mentorship, and access to a national network of industry professionals. Through one streamlined application, students can be considered for internship opportunities with multiple employers.

NSI participants will also have access to a series of virtual career fairs. The next event will take place Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4:30–7 p.m. ET, bringing together students and organizations from across the space industry. Participants will have the opportunity to explore career paths, learn about available openings, and speak directly with recruiters.

“The space industry is growing faster than the talent pipeline can keep up,” said Heidi Vasiloff, senior director of the Space Foundation Discovery Center. “NSI helps bridge that gap by connecting students directly with companies across the space industry and giving them opportunities to gain real-world experience before they graduate.”

To be eligible for NSI, applicants must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen.
2. Be currently enrolled at a college or university as an undergraduate or graduate student.
3. Be pursuing a relevant field of study, including a wide range of disciplines that contribute to the space ecosystem.
4. Be able to commit to a 10-week internship during the program period.

The program engages students from colleges and universities across the country and connects them with opportunities to gain experience and build careers in the space industry.

Learn more and register at swft.space/national-space-interns/.

About Space Foundation

Space Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit, brings together every corner of the global space ecosystem. Through year-round programs and events, including its flagship Space Symposium, Space Foundation convenes leaders from government, industry, finance, and education to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and advance the future of space. As a trusted, neutral expert, Space Foundation turns connections into impact. It reinvests proceeds from its events into STEM education, workforce development, and its Discovery Center. Together, these programs help build the talent and leadership that will power the space economy for generations to come.

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Media Contact:

Zakary Watson
Director, Communications
Space Foundation
[email protected]