Become a NextGen Fellow.

All applications must be received by NextGen through the online portal by February 15, 2025.  If you are having trouble submitting the application, please reach out to us at info@nextgenfellows.org or contact your Career Center. We are all willing to help!

The 2025 summer internship dates are  May 27th to August 1st.  Internships in Grand Junction, CO will end on July 27th due to housing availability. 

The summer internship application is available on this website.  The link is at the top of the internship landing page and imbedded in each of the job descriptions.  Please list your desired internships in order of preference.  You can apply for as many positions as you wish.  If you have trouble compiling the information you need to submit, contact NextGen or your Career Center for support.  We are all willing to help!

NextGen partners with a select group of colleges and universities.  Together, we provide opportunities to underserved and underrepresented communities in STEM education. We warmly encourage students from the following groups at these universities to submit applications:

• African Americans
• Alaska Natives
• First Generation Students
• Individuals with disabilities
• Latino/Hispanic Americans
• Native Americans
• Women

Applicants who can commit to the full 40 hours per week and the entire internship period are given preference.  However, NextGen will work with students to adjust the internship period (and commensurate stipend) in special cases.

The Fellowship program is designed to support student persistence through graduation. It creates a sense of community and belonging that can help students overcome the obstacles that drive many out of STEM before graduation. NextGen expects its Fellows to not only participate in the academic year program but to be available to mentor new Fellows who follow in their footsteps.  The academic year fellowship is expected to begin in Fall 2026.

NextGen offers paid internships and provides funds/grants to make it a positive and motivating experience without causing financial hardship. Necessity funds are tailored to the needs of individual students.  For instance, some students may need NextGen to help with transportation costs. Other students may need funds for summer housing, child care, health emergencies, conference fees, etc.

NextGen supports the path to graduation by providing an onsite navigator to help guide and mentor students.  This dedicated individual plays a vital role in several aspects:

• Providing guidance in navigating the college landscape, demystifying office hours and the career center, facilitating tutoring and access to mental health resources.
• Promoting community dinners where Fellows can connect with STEM students, listen to speakers from diverse STEM fields, and openly discuss the successes and challenges of STEM education.
• Assisting with internship and career searches to ensure Fellows find fulfilling opportunities in their desired fields.
• Offering a gentle and supportive mentorship experience, where Fellows can freely explore their passions. 

The Academic Year Program is expected to begin in Fall 2026

Fellows who receive positive summer evaluations from their employer and participate fully in NextGen programs will have priority for NextGen internship placements. 

NextGen works diligently to partner with businesses/corporations/agencies that share an ethos of caring, support, and commitment to its summer interns. If a student is dissatisfied with a placement, NextGen will bring all parties together to find a professional, equitable solution.

Every two weeks, interns will sit with their supervisor for a one-on-one discussion of challenges and accomplishments. On alternate weeks, students meet with NextGen for professional development discussions.  Students evaluate the internship provider as much as supervisors evaluate student progress and contribution. At the end of the summer, interns provide a comprehensive final evaluation of the experience.