HSGC URI participants group photo

The Hawaiʻi Space Grant Consortium expands educational opportunities for University of Hawaiʻi System undergraduates by awarding University Research Internships (HSGC URI) — formerly known as the Fellowship and Traineeship Program — in fields relevant to NASA's goals. Two levels of support, Research or Trainee, are offered depending on skill, knowledge level, and time commitment. U.S. citizenship is required.

Fields relevant to NASA's goals include science, technology, and education focused on understanding the Earth, exploring the Solar System and universe, creating more efficient air transportation systems, inspiring students to pursue STEM careers, and engaging the public in exploration and discovery.

Get Started

How to Apply

Application Deadlines
June 15  |  Fall      December 1  |  Spring

U.S. citizenship required. Complete a formal application, submit transcripts, and provide a letter of support from a prospective mentor. Forms are fillable PDFs — complete digitally, print, and sign before submission.

Applications available from Space Grant offices at Mānoa (POST 501), Hilo, Maui, and Community College campuses. Call (808) 956-3138 or email hsgc@spacegrant.hawaii.edu.

Fellows and Trainees

HSGC URI Research Internship

Open to full-time undergraduates at UH Mānoa, Hilo, Maui College, any UH Community College, or the University of Guam who have declared a major. Must be U.S. citizens with a qualified mentor. Students work 10–15 hours/week.

One-semester stipend of $5,000, renewable ($10,000/year). Travel and supply budget of $1,000/semester.

$5,000 / semester

HSGC URI Trainee Internship

Open to full-time undergraduates at UH Mānoa, Hilo, Maui College, any UH Community College, or the University of Guam. Must be U.S. citizens with a qualified mentor. Students work 5–10 hours/week.

One-semester stipend of $2,500, renewable ($5,000/year). Can extend into a Research Internship for a total of $7,500. Supply budget: $500/semester.

$2,500 / semester

HSGC URI Group Research Internship

Open to full-time undergraduates at UH Mānoa, Hilo, Maui College, any UH Community College, or the University of Guam. Must be U.S. citizens with a qualified mentor. Students work 5–10 hours/week.

One-semester stipend of $2,500 per student, renewable ($5,000/year per student). Travel and supply budget of $500/semester per student.

$2,500 / student / semester

Current Students

Summer 2026 HSGC URI students currently participating at the University of Guam.

Now Active
Summer 2026 HSGC URI Students
Summer 2026 HSGC URI Students University of Guam
Dionisio Taitano-Samora
University of Guam
Type: Teaching
Major: Public Health
Riyo Anne Reyes
University of Guam
Type: Professional
Major: Communication
Danielle Balmores
University of Guam
Type: Research
Major: Biology
Mentors

Mentor Guidelines

Serving as a mentor for an undergraduate HSGC URI student is one of the most effective educational activities a researcher or faculty member can do. Mentoring a student in their research project can make a dramatic difference in a young person's life and their approach to learning.

Research Ohana: Share mentoring responsibilities with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers if you have a large group. A postdoc, research associate, or specialist may also serve as mentor. If you have two or more students, ensure each has an identifiable project.
Space Connection: Space Grant is NASA-funded. Everything must have a clear connection to space science or aerospace engineering. Students must discuss this link in proposals, symposium talks, and final reports.
Student Time Commitment: Research Internship students work 10–15 hours/week; Trainee students work 5–10 hours/week. Remember these are full-time undergraduates typically taking five courses.

Most mentors are UH faculty, though senior researchers and other qualified personnel are also eligible. Contact the HSGC office with any questions: hsgc@spacegrant.hawaii.edu or (808) 956-3138.

Lacy Veach Day of Discovery

Former Participants

Browse past HSGC URI participants and their projects, then continue to the report and newsletter collections below.

Former HSGC URI participants group photo

Archived participant list

Browse former HSGC URI students, project listings, and historical participant information in one searchable page.

URI Reports and Newsletter Collections

URI Final Reports 2025 cover
ScholarSpace Collection

University Research Internship Final Reports

Browse recent URI final report volumes documenting student research projects, mentors, and outcomes across the University of Hawaiʻi system.

Open ScholarSpace
Nā Huakaʻi Vol. 18 newsletter cover
Newsletter Archive

Nā Huakaʻi Newsletters

Read HSGC newsletters featuring student research, community activities, outreach events, and participant achievements across the UH system.

Browse Newsletters