Program Overview

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program

The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is a research-based program offered by George Mason University. The program provides students with the opportunity to work with faculty mentors on research projects.

Program Details

• The program is an 8-week summer experience that costs $1299 in George Mason tuition.
• Following successful completion of the program, interns will receive 3 credits of COS120: Introduction to Research.
• The tuition paid for this course does not cover lunches, housing, or travel expenses.
• A $25 application fee is required when applying to the program.
• Fee waivers are available for students who are eligible for free/reduced lunch assistance or eligible for Pell Grant financial aid.

Eligibility

• Minimum ages:
  • Interns for remote internships must be 15 years or older by June 18th, 2026.
  • Interns for in-person or hybrid internships in computer labs must be 15 years or older by June 18th, 2026.
  • Interns for "wet-lab" in-person or hybrid internships must be 16 or older by June 18th, 2026.
• Maximum age: There is no maximum age limit, as long as the applicant has not graduated from university during their internship.

Participation

• ASSIP interns may participate in ASSIP a total of 2 times.
• Full participation in the entire program is necessary.

Internship Format

• Each prospective mentor reports whether they will accept only in-person, only remote, or hybrid interns.
• Some mentors may be willing to be flexible based on the specific intern.

Application and Selection

• Applications are reviewed by participating mentors during the last part of February.
• Candidates are scheduled for interviews to be conducted in March.
• Students are notified of mentors who select them as interns by early April.
• Students are expected to accept offers by mid-April.

Requirements

• Applicants do not need to submit a transcript or a letter of recommendation with their application.
• Students are highly encouraged to list up to 3 faculty mentors of interest.
• Mentors select their research interns to interview and then participate based on the student's application and their expressed interest in the mentor's research.

Program Policies

• George Mason University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.