15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Delaware
Internships help college students gain work experience through projects and understand how workplaces function. This experience strengthens your resume and improves your chances of getting hired after graduation, as employers prefer candidates who already have experience and practical skills. Internships also help you build professional connections and gain mentors who can guide your career and provide letters of recommendation.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship allows you to work with lab equipment, coding platforms, engineering tools, research software, or healthcare technologies that you may not use in class. Beyond building technical skills, you will gain a professional network and learn how to collaborate with a team. Delaware offers strong STEM opportunities through its institutions and universities, which focus on project-based learning and mentorship.
To make your search easier, we have narrowed down 15 of the best STEM internships for undergraduates in Delaware. These programs are selected based on the quality of experience they offer, mentorship opportunities, skill development, and overall value for undergraduates looking to strengthen their resumes and improve their career prospects.
1. Moonprint Solutions Undergrad Summer Internships
Location: Moonprint Solutions, Dover, DE
Stipend: $17–$25/hour based on experience; $18.25/hour for summer internships
Dates: 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens; proficient with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD/DraftSight) and MS Office
Moonprint Solutions, a company that designs and tests soft goods for agencies like NASA and the United States Department of Defense, offers summer internships for college students. As an intern, you may work on component and system designs, create 2D and 3D CAD models, and perform structural analysis to make sure designs meet performance standards. You may also generate test reports, plan and carry out validation tests, and present technical findings to clients. Along the way, you’ll build important professional skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced engineering environment.
2. Ladder's University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; need-based financial assistance is available / No stipend
Dates: Several cohorts throughout the year (summer, spring, fall, and winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships offers students opportunities to work with high-growth startups in various fields, including deep tech, environmental science, software engineering, web design/UX, finance, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and mental health. As an intern, you will work under the supervision and guidance of a start-up manager and a Ladder Coach on projects that align with your interests and the organization’s goals. The experience can help you contribute to real-world projects in a professional setting and access opportunities to build professional skills. At the end, you will present your work to the startup. You can find out more about the program and its application here.
3. Marine Sciences Summer REU Program
Location: Lewes, Delaware, USA
Stipend: $7,950
Dates: June 8 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 17
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This program gives you hands-on experience in areas such as oceanography, marine biology, marine geology, and marine chemistry. You will work with a faculty mentor on an independent research project and take part in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. Along with research, you attend weekly seminars and professional development sessions that help you build scientific knowledge and communication skills. At the end of the program, you present your research through a written report and an oral presentation. You also receive a stipend, free housing, and travel support, making this a strong opportunity if you are considering graduate study or a career in marine or environmental science.
4. DE-INBRE Summer Student Research Program
Location: Delaware, USA
Stipend: $4,000
Dates: 10 weeks during Summer; typically, early June through mid-August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Full-time rising undergraduate sophomores or above, live in Delaware or attend a Delaware college/university; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The DE-INBRE Summer Student Research Program (SRP) gives you paid, hands-on biomedical research experience at a partner institution in Delaware. You will spend the summer working full-time in a research lab under the guidance of a faculty mentor. You learn real scientific methods, lab techniques, and data analysis while contributing to an ongoing research project. The program also includes professional development workshops, opportunities to build communication skills, and a chance to present your work at a summer research symposium. Throughout the internship, you gain practical experience that strengthens your research skills, boosts your resume, and prepares you for careers or further study in biomedical science.
5. Delaware Space Grant Undergrad Summer Internships
Location: At any DESGC (Delaware Space Grant Consortium)-affiliated institution
Stipend: $6,000
Dates: June – August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: May 20
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students currently enrolled at DESGC institutions and majoring in the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and geography
In this program, you will spend your summer developing skills in scientific inquiry, data collection, and lab work or field research, depending on your project. You learn how to design experiments, analyze results, and communicate your findings, helping you build both technical and professional abilities. At the end of the program, you complete a written worksheet describing your research experience and present your work at the annual research symposium. This experience strengthens your resume, deepens your understanding of your field, and connects you with faculty and peers who can support your future academic or career goals.
6. Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) Undergraduate Internship Program
Location: Delaware and nearby areas, depending on the specific project.
Stipend: $3,000–$6,000, depending on the internship
Dates: 8–10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Delaware and Delaware State University
In this internship, you will explore topics such as climate change, coastal resilience, sustainability, ecology, and environmental data science. You will become part of a research team, contributing to ongoing projects that may involve field studies, lab analysis, or community-focused environmental work. During the internship, you build practical skills by collecting and interpreting data, using scientific tools, and applying research methods to real-world environmental challenges. In addition to research experience, you benefit from mentorship, teamwork, and professional development activities that help you strengthen your communication skills and prepare for future careers or graduate study in environmental and STEM fields.
7. AstraZeneca Summer Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including in Newark and Wilmington, DE
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Dates: 10–12 weeks; dates vary based on internship site.
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, ages 18 and up, with U.S. work Authorization/EAD, who will return to their degree program upon completing the internship
In AstraZeneca's Summer Internship Program, you will explore STEM fields like chemistry, biology, engineering, and data science through what serves as a performance-based, extended interview. You will contribute directly to active, real-world drug discovery and clinical trial operations. Throughout the summer, you will design and run laboratory experiments, analyze complex datasets using tools like Python or R, and showcase your findings at a final poster presentation. You will also participate in professional development workshops, one-on-one career advising, and networking events. Ultimately, you will master technical lab and programming techniques while developing essential skills in project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional teamwork.
8. Molecular & Cellular Biology Internship – Delaware State University
Location: Delaware State University, Dover, DE
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Undergraduate STEM majors from DSU, partnering HBCUs, and all backgrounds; must have completed at least 25 college credits (including at least one introductory science course); requires one faculty letter of recommendation and a virtual interview
In this internship, you will tackle a 10-week research project spanning topics like neuroscience, cancer biology, microbiology, and computational biology. Throughout the summer, you will conduct experiments in a faculty mentor's laboratory, participate in science communication workshops, and showcase your final findings at a concluding poster symposium. Because of this immersive structure, you will directly master practical molecular biology and data analysis techniques. Ultimately, you will also develop critical scientific writing and presentation skills while forming strong professional networks to support your STEM career.
9. Bioscience Research Summer Intern – IFF
Location: Wilmington, DE
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Dates: 10 weeks between late May or early June through August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences (e.g., Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry), Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field; completed at least the sophomore year of undergraduate education
As a Bioscience Research Summer Intern at IFF, you will explore microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology to help develop sustainable ingredients for consumer products. During this 10-week program, you will design laboratory experiments, engineer microbial strains, and use analytical tools to characterize new enzymes. The program gives you the opportunity to work at the DuPont Experimental Station, seeing firsthand how lab-scale science is commercialized for global markets. You will also collaborate with seasoned scientists and share your findings during a final project presentation.
10. University of Delaware CANR Summer Research Experience
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Stipend: $5,500
Dates: June 8 – August 13
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Current undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, and juniors (preferred); includes UD students and a limited number of non-UD students
The University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources offers a 10-week summer research program that allows you to explore agricultural, natural resource, and life science fields. During the program, you can select projects in areas such as animal and food sciences, entomology and wildlife ecology, or plant and soil sciences. Throughout the summer, you develop skills in data collection, analysis, and scientific problem-solving while learning how academic research is conducted. You also strengthen your communication skills by creating a short video presentation and presenting your research findings at a summer symposium, helping you build confidence and enhance your academic profile.
11. Network Engineering Summer Internship – Delaware River and Bay Authority
Location: New Castle, DE
Stipend: $16/hour
Dates: 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: February 17
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are at least 18 years old
In this program, you will immerse yourself in the core STEM topics of network administration, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure management. Working alongside the Principal and Associate Network Engineers, you will spend your days configuring network hardware, monitoring systems for security vulnerabilities, and troubleshooting infrastructure issues. The technical work that you do will directly sustain the digital backbone of a massive bi-state transportation network that includes bridges, ferries, and regional airports. Additionally, you will participate in behind-the-scenes tours of these physical facilities to witness your digital impact firsthand.
12. ILC Dover Summer Internship
Location: Dover, Delaware, USA
Stipend: $6,000
Dates: 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: May 20
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently enrolled at a DESGC institution such as the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Wilmington University, Delaware Tech Community College, Villanova University, or Swarthmore College; U.S. citizens
This internship allows you to spend your summer gaining real-world industry experience. You will spend about 10 weeks working full-time at ILC Dove, where you will contribute to technical projects involving design, testing, and product development used in aerospace and other challenging environments. This internship lets you apply engineering concepts in a professional setting and collaborate with experienced engineers and technical staff. You will improve your technical and analytical skills, learn how projects move from idea to implementation, and build confidence working in a team. At the end of the summer, you share what you’ve learned by presenting your work at a research symposium.
13. DNREC Internship Program
Location: Delaware at DNREC offices and field locations in all three counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex), with some opportunities offering hybrid or flexible work arrangements depending on the role
Stipend: $18.50/hour
Dates: May/Early June – August
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Current college students and recent graduates legally authorized to work in the U.S. and pass a background check
The DNREC Internship Program through the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control gives you paid, hands-on experience working with environmental professionals across Delaware. As an intern, you will support projects related to environmental protection, natural resource management, conservation science, water quality, wildlife habitat restoration, GIS mapping, outreach, or environmental education. You gain practical skills such as field data collection, lab techniques, environmental assessment, report writing, and public communication while applying what you learn in the classroom to actual agency work. The program also offers opportunities to participate in community events, site visits, and agency meetings.
14. Mt. Cuba Center's Internship Program
Location: Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin, DE
Stipend: $17/hour
Dates: Mid-May to Late August
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a minimum of one year of college completed
This program allows college students to explore careers in public horticulture, conservation, and associated fields while working with Mt. Cuba Center staff. You will engage in ecological horticulture by participating in the daily maintenance of diverse native plant collections, which includes tasks like seed propagation, invasive species management, and assisting with evaluations in the Trial Garden to document plant-pollinator relationships. Additionally, you will complete an independent capstone project tailored to your specific interest area, ranging from arboriculture to plant conservation, which culminates in a professional presentation of your findings to the Center’s staff and peers.
15. Transmission & Distribution Engineer Intern - Grid
Location: Wilmington, DE
Stipend: $17.50–$27/hour
Dates: Typically, early June to late August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduates pursuing a BS or MS in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering with expected graduation between Fall and Spring in +2 years; have U.S. work authorization without sponsorship
In this internship, you will explore civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Working alongside senior engineers, you will help design and upgrade actual power grids. Your day-to-day activities will include running engineering calculations, drafting design documents for major equipment, and tracking the progress of large electrical projects. The internship features a flexible hybrid setup, allowing you to easily split your week between the office and remote work. By the end of the summer, you will have gained hands-on technical design experience, practical project management skills, and a clear understanding of how real-world power systems are built.
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