NASA’s Psyche Inspired creative arts internship is accepting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. The program brings undergraduate students from universities and community colleges across the U.S. and its territories into the Psyche mission as virtual creatives-in-residence, using artistic and creative work to communicate the mission’s science, engineering, innovation and exploration to the public.
The program is open to full-time undergraduate students in any major who:
- Are enrolled at a U.S. university or community college and have completed at least two semesters/terms at their current institution.
- Will not graduate before the end of spring 2027.
- Can commit to creating four original works during the program, approximately one every six weeks through early May 2027.
- Can attend required weekly videoconference meetings on Fridays at noon Pacific Time.
- Can sign an intellectual property agreement with Arizona State University.
U.S. citizenship is not required, but applicants must be enrolled full-time at an eligible U.S. institution. Previous interns have represented disciplines ranging from aerospace engineering, biology and physics to anthropology, sustainability, computer science, creative writing, music, design and the visual arts.
Psyche Inspired interns create original work that communicates NASA’s Psyche mission to the public. Creative formats can include animation, film, photography, sculpture, ceramics, design, drawing, music, poetry, game design, performance, textiles, digital media and other forms of creative expression.
Interns interact with Psyche scientists and engineers from NASA, ASU and partner institutions, as well as other interns. Their work may be featured on the Psyche mission website, blog and social media; included in an online showcase and printed coffee table book; and potentially presented at conferences, libraries, NASA centers and public events.
Selected interns receive a $300 stipend for materials. The program also covers shipping costs for completed physical works sent to the Psyche Inspired project office at ASU.
Applicants will respond to questions about their interest in Psyche Inspired, their qualifications, independent project experience and experience engaging with a community or the public.
They must also submit:
- Three samples of creative work, with short descriptions
- A faculty or staff reference from their institution
- Work samples in the required formats and file specifications
The samples do not need to be related to space exploration.
Applications are due Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon) PDT.
Up to 16 interns will be selected for the 2026–2027 academic year, including at least one student from Arizona State University.