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Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Science
Engineering
Computer Science

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA8 weeks (June 18 - August 12, 2026)

The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is a nationally recognized eight-week research internship offered by George Mason University for high school students ages 15 and older. Selected participants work one-on-one with faculty researchers at George Mason and collaborating institutions, gaining hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology across diverse scientific disciplines. Students develop real scientific writing and communication skills while conducting meaningful research alongside professional scientists. With tuition waivers available for those with demonstrated financial need, ASSIP is an exceptional opportunity for any aspiring scientist to experience what a career in research truly looks like.

Visit science.gmu.edu

Skills You'll Build

Scientific Research

Designing studies, testing hypotheses, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

Lab Techniques

Running experiments safely and accurately using real scientific equipment and procedures.

Programming

Writing code to build software, automate tasks, or bring an idea to life on a screen.

Mathematical Modeling

Using equations and formulas to represent and predict real-world situations.

Machine Learning

Training computer models to recognize patterns and make predictions from data.

Critical Thinking

Evaluating information carefully before drawing a conclusion or making a decision.

Problem Solving

Breaking down a challenge and working through it methodically to a solution.

Creative Writing

Crafting original stories, poems, or scripts that express ideas and imagination.

Public Speaking

Delivering ideas clearly and confidently in front of an audience.

Related Careers

Medical Researcher

Interns conduct original research using state-of-the-art equipment across disciplines including molecular medicine, drug discovery, and disease diagnostics.

Software Engineer

Program focuses on computer science internships including computer modeling, machine learning, and software engineering research projects.

Environmental Scientist

Research areas include environmental science, climate change, sustainable botany, coastal flooding, and urban hydrology.

Data Scientist

Interns develop skills in data mining, data science for social good, and computational analysis across research projects.

Physicist

Physics is explicitly listed as a scientific area of focus within the program's research opportunities.

Quick Facts

Grade Levels
9th - 12th (and undergraduate)
Format
Hybrid
Time Commitment
Full-time, 8 weeks
Competitiveness
Highly Selective
Best For
Aspiring STEM researchers

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