Carnegie Science offers a range of prestigious and highly sought-after undergraduate internship programs that provide students with exceptional research opportunities and a chance to work alongside leading scientists. Two prominent examples of these programs are the Carnegie Astrophysics Summer Student Internship (CASSI) program in Pasadena and the Summer Undergraduate Research Internship (SURI) program in Washington, D.C. Both programs are making an active effort to create opportunities for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds and contribute to changing the face of their respective fields.

CASSI

CASSI is a competitive internship program designed to give undergraduates who are interested in astronomy and astrophysics the skills and confidence to pursue careers in and adjacent to scientific research. This immersive experience takes place at the Carnegie Observatories, which are renowned for their cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art facilities.

Under the guidance of experienced mentors, CASSI students engage in groundbreaking original research projects across a variety of exciting topics including, galaxy formation, exoplanets, cosmology, and dark matter. In addition to their investigative endeavors, students participate in a rigorous series of workshops to build their technical and communication skills. Professional development discussions cover topics such as impostor syndrome and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the scientific community. They also have opportunities to engage with other local scientific organizations, including Mt. Wilson Observatory and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

SURI

SURI program provides undergraduate students with an immersive research experience across multiple scientific disciplines at Carnegie’s Earth and Planets Laboratory. Open to students from diverse backgrounds, SURI offers research opportunities in fields such as astronomy, planetary science, and geophysics. Under the mentorship of leading Carnegie scientists, SURI interns gain hands-on research skills and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in topics ranging from exoplanet atmospheres to planetary evolution and meteorites to deep Earth diamonds.

The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing interns to attend seminars and workshops delivered by distinguished researchers across all of the fields represented at Carnegie’s Washington, D.C., campus. The SURI program not only prepares students for future scientific endeavors, but also offers valuable networking opportunities and mentorship that can shape their careers.

Graduates of Carnegie’s internship programs have achieved remarkable success, with many advancing to prestigious graduate programs or pursuing thriving careers in academia, industry, and various scientific fields. They exemplify the institution's commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and provide undergraduate students with the mentorship, skills, and network necessary to make significant contributions to their chosen disciplines.

The CASSI Program is funded in part by The Rose Hills Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, and other private philanthropic support and SURI is funded in part by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, The New York Community Trust’s Fund for Astrophysical Research; and the Marilyn Fogel Endowed Fund for Internships.

In the city of Washington, D.C., science lovers from middle school, all the way through high school and beyond, are empowered through the Carnegie Academy for Science Education's (CASE) transformative outreach programs. CASE was founded in 1989 by Carnegie’s President Emerita Maxine Singer, and since then has served more than 800 students and 1,000 teachers in the nation’s capital—bringing fun and accessible science education to classrooms. 

FIRST LIGHT

Saturday mornings at Carnegie’s Broad Branch Road campus are bustling with eager students, who are ready to dive into a world of scientific wonders. This year, middle school students participating in CASE’s flagship program, First Light,  embarked on a cosmic journey, discovering a world of exoplanets beyond our own Solar System; studied jet propulsion, examining the barriers to space travel and the innovative methods required to overcome them; and embarked on an extraordinary adventure inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope, gazing up at the night sky, mapping constellations and studying awe-inspiring nebulae and galaxies.

SUMMER STARS

During the summer months, talented young students gather five days a week at Carnegie’s Broad Branch Road campus for the Summer STARS program. Supported by the Washington, D.C., Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, these participants embarked on a journey of scientific discovery and career exploration. During the 2022 program, they gained real-world college and workplace readiness skills while also learning biotechnology and laboratory research techniques. Their interactions with Carnegie scientists and STEM professionals provided invaluable insights and inspiration for their future endeavors.

CASE INTERNSHIPS 

CASE Internships offer high school students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of science and science education. In the summer of 2022, student interns spent hours conducting lab experiments, preparing biotech kits, and assisting with First Light and other programs. Through their dedication, they learned essential skills, interacted with younger students, and gained insights into potential STEM careers. 

CASE's commitment to excellence extends to teachers as well. In the summer of 2022, the MUSICA Outstanding Teacher Leadership program selected six passionate middle and high school teachers from Arizona, D.C., and Texas to participate in a week of geoscience fieldwork and laboratory experiences around Arizona. The intensive program supplied participants with hands-on knowledge and lesson plan development in the Earth sciences. 

CASE continues to light the path for D.C. students, nurturing their curiosity, and igniting their passion for scientific exploration. For more information about CASE and its outreach programs, please visit https://case.carnegiescience.edu/.