Geo Launchpad STEM Internship

What is Geo-Launchpad?

Geo-Launchpad is an eleven-week paid summer internship for community college students. The program runs from mid-May until August, pays a stipend of $720/week. Housing near the project locations are provided at no cost.

This pre-REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program exposes students to geoscience careers, assists in professional development and communication skills, and provides research-ready skills. 

Applications are due by February 15. Submit an interest form to be notified when applications open. 

What is Geoscience? 

Geoscience combines many atmospheric science, chemistry, earth science, engineering, environmental science, geography, geology, hydrology and technology to answer scientific questions. 

Geoscience careers include a diverse offering of STEM fields, such as:

• Geology
• Geophysics
• Geography
• Hydrology
• Oceanography
• Atmospheric science
• Planetary science
• Environmental studies
• Marine science
• Meteorology
• Soil science

Geoscience in the World

The work geoscientists do is relevant to the local and global community. Globally, researchers collaborated to collect data from the M7.2 Haiti earthquake in 2021.

Locally, researchers with Colorado State University, in collaboration with NASA's Snow-Ex program, are working on a snow observation project involving the ramifications of the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire scar to measure changes in the shape and height of the snow surface over time. The amount of water from snowpack melts is of critical importance in many regions where melting snow feeds rivers throughout the summer.

Summer Internship at Earthscope Consortium

The EarthScope Consortium operates the National Science Foundation’s seismic and geodetic facilities. Interns gain hands-on geoscience experience supporting ongoing research by producing and presenting a summer project. In addition, interns will participate in guest speaker seminars and geology field trips.

What Will I Do?

You will work on a project under the guidance of technical staff from national science facilities, such as the US Geological Survey (USGS). Projects vary each year, but have included mapping and GIS-related work, archiving historic USGS artifacts, building 3-D printers, and environmental data analysis.

What are the Benefits?

• An introduction to research
• A reliable source of summer income ($720/week)
• Geoscience and engineering knowledge and technical work 
• Learn about career paths 
• Become part of a cohort of interns from all over the US
• Experience presenting your work at a local and national conference (all expenses paid, including travel if needed) 
• Valuable experience for a career in science, technology or engineering

All this as a community college student—before you transfer to a four-year university. 

Am I Eligible?

If you have been successful in a geoscience class (e.g., geology, physical geography, etc.). or other STEM classes and plan to transfer to a four-year university, consider applying. Visit the Geo-Launchpad website for the application and more information.

What if I Can't Participate in the Internship?

You may consider taking GEO 2010 Careers & Research in the Geosciences. GEO 2010 is a one-credit, seminar-style course offered in the spring semester to provide students with background information on the types of careers within the geosciences, current geoscience related research, and considerations for pursuing continued education in related disciplines.

Are There Other Internships I Could Apply For? 

The Research Experience for Community College Students (RECCS) is another internship specific to Colorado community college students. It is offered through the Collaborative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado (CIRES). RECCS is a nine-week paid research experience. 

Visit the CIRES website for more information. The Pathways to Science website has even more exciting opportunities.