Become a NextGen Fellow.

The summer 2025 application period is now closed.  The summer 2026 application period will begin on November 15, 2025.  All applications must be received by NextGen through the online portal by February 1, 2026.  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 2026 summer internship dates are  May 26th to July 31st.   

The summer internship application is available on this website.  We will begin accepting applications for summer 2026 on November 15, 2025. Summer 2026 position descriptions will go live on that date. The application link is located at the top of the internship landing page and imbedded in each of the job descriptions.  Students may apply for as many internships as they wish and should list desired internships in order of preference.  Having 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.  Students completing their sophomore or junior year, who have declared a STEM major, are welcome to apply if their college or university has a partnership agreement with NextGen.  Check with the college or university's Career Center to find out.

Applicants who 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 2027.

NextGen offers paid internships and provides funds/grants to create 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, etc.  Still others may not need any funds at all.

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 2027

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 mentor/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.