15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Idaho
Internships are one of the most practical ways to build experience during college. They give you experience in more than just coursework, letting you see how things work outside the classroom. You start applying what you’ve learned, pick up technical and everyday workplace skills, and make valuable connections with people in the field. Over time, that makes a difference not just on your resume, but also in your chances of landing a job after college. For students in STEM fields, internships matter even more as STEM careers expect you to have some hands-on exposure, whether that’s in a lab, working on engineering problems, contributing to tech projects, or being part of a research team.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship in college gives you a sense of how things work in a professional setting. Employers usually look for people who’ve done more than just study, and this is where internships help you show that you can handle problems, work with others, and understand the basics of the field. You’ll probably come across tools and systems you haven’t used before, which you will master as time progresses. You also get better at explaining your ideas, managing small tasks or projects, and working with different kinds of people. Those are things that don’t always come from textbooks. You might also get a recommendation, a research opportunity, or even a job offer if the internship goes well.
To make things a bit easier, here’s a list of 15 STEM internships in Idaho for undergraduates that are worth looking into, where you can learn, get guidance, and start building experience.
1. NASA Internships Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC)
Location: Idaho-based. Internships take place at various industries, research institutions, and academic affiliates throughout the state of Idaho
Stipend: $8,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 11–15 students per year
Dates: Summer session: June 1 – August 7; Spring: Mid-January – Early May (16 weeks); Fall: Late August – Mid-December (16 weeks)
Application Deadline: Summer: February 27; Fall: May 22; Spring: September
Eligibility: All students who are full-time at an Idaho university/college and U.S. citizens; minimum 3.0 GPA; enrolled in a STEM major
The NASA Internship Program, supported by the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium, offers undergraduates immersive research and engineering experience within NASA centers. You will work on projects in engineering, physical science, computer science, earth science, and related STEM fields under NASA scientists and engineers. The program emphasizes real contributions to NASA missions, technical skill building, communication, and teamwork. You typically devote ~40 hours per week to their assignments and engage with professional mentors and peers. Successful interns gain valuable skills applicable to aerospace, research, and high-tech careers.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10%; 70–100 students per session
Dates: Multiple cohorts available throughout the year, including Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a fully remote, eight-week experience that pairs you with VC-backed startups to tackle real-world STEM challenges. Depending on your placement, you will explore fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, software engineering, and environmental sustainability. During the program, you will actively engage in tasks like analyzing data sets, writing technical documentation, assisting with machine learning models, and pitching a final deliverable to company founders. What makes this program unique is its dual-mentorship model, providing you with weekly structured feedback from both a dedicated Ladder Coach and an experienced startup manager. By the end of the internship, you will have built a tangible resume project while developing skills in technical problem-solving, time management, and professional communication. Apply now!
3. Idaho INBRE Summer Undergraduate Research (INBRE Fellows)
Location: Multiple Idaho universities and research labs (e.g., Boise State, Idaho State, U of Idaho)
Stipend: Up to $7,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 100+ fellows statewide
Dates: May 20 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate STEM students at Idaho institutions (or Western INBRE alliance members) who will graduate after December; must secure a faculty preceptor; U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S.
The Idaho INBRE (Institutional Network for Biomedical Research Excellence) Summer Undergraduate Research program places undergraduates in faculty-mentored biomedical research projects for a full summer. You will engage in lab work, professional development activities, and seminars while contributing to scientific investigations in areas such as biology, chemistry, and health sciences. The program culminates in a research poster or similar presentation and builds research skills, teamwork, and scientific communication. Preference is given to applications that demonstrate academic achievement and readiness for research; students must identify a mentor before applying.
4. NSF (Research Experience for Undergraduates) REU: Elements of Sustainability
Location: Moscow, ID (University of Idaho campus)
Stipend: $7,000 + up to $300 travel reimbursement + $200 cash allowance for meals
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; ~10–15 positions
Dates: May 25 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until filled
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (completed first year, not graduating before program start); U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Elements of Sustainability REU at the University of Idaho offers a summer research experience that engages students in interdisciplinary STEM projects focused on sustainable chemistry and engineering. You will work with faculty mentors on topics like sustainable materials, bioremediation, and environmental technologies. You receive hands-on laboratory training, participate in career and ethics workshops, and present your research at the Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research. This program provides a structured research environment that enhances technical skills, scientific communication, and professional development.
5. Idaho National Laboratory Undergraduate Research Assistant Internship – Science and Technology
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 300+ interns annually across all programs
Dates: Summer: May – August (10–16 weeks); Fall: August – December (Semester-long); Spring: January – May (Semester-long)
Application Deadline: Summer: Mid-January to February; Fall: May 20; Spring: Generally early October
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate student at an accredited U.S. institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; pursuing a STEM degree (Engineering, Computer/Data Science, Physical/Life Sciences); international students with CPT/OPT work authorization; ability to pass a background check
In the Idaho National Laboratory Undergraduate Research Assistant Internship in Science and Technology, you take on a hands-on STEM role supporting America's energy and defense. The program covers major topics like nuclear energy, national security, and critical infrastructure innovation. Throughout your internship, you will conduct team-based research, analyze complex data, develop technical models, and present your findings clearly and concisely. A unique feature of this program is that it allows you to collaborate with scientists at a premier U.S. Department of Energy facility. Ultimately, you will build skills in laboratory techniques, technical writing, and scientific communication.
6. DOE CINR Research for Undergraduates (REU)
Location: Boise, ID (Boise State University)
Stipend: $700/week + $1,200 meal allowance + housing + up to $1,000 travel support
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, 2–10 students
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (including community college students) majoring in Computer/Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Nanotechnology, or Sensor Science; U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required
In this nine-week summer internship, funded by the Department of Energy, you collaborate directly with Idaho National Laboratory and Boise State on cutting-edge research. You will engage in nanoparticle synthesis, ink preparation, printer operation, and materials characterization, working at the intersection of academic and national laboratory research. The program provides a comprehensive support package including a generous weekly stipend, housing in a Boise State dormitory, a meal allowance, and travel reimbursement. This immersive experience is designed for undergraduates interested in materials science, nanotechnology, and engineering disciplines.
7. Boise State University - LSAMP Summer Research Experience (REU)
Location: Boise State University campus, Boise, Idaho
Stipend: $3,000–$6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 8–12 students
Dates: May 18 – July 24
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Identify as African American/Black, Hispanic, Native American/Indian, or Pacific Islander; currently enrolled as a Boise State undergraduate with a STEM major; U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents
In this 10-week paid STEM program, you will explore diverse topics across STEM disciplines, such as biomedical engineering, mathematics, and the natural sciences. During the summer, you will conduct laboratory or field research, collaborate one-on-one with a faculty mentor, and present your findings at a state conference. A unique feature of this program is its tailored mentor-matching process and its strong focus on building an inclusive academic community. Ultimately, you will build essential skills in critical thinking, scientific communication, and advanced data analysis.
8. USDA-ARS Small Grains Summer Internship (Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education)
Location: Aberdeen, Idaho (USDA Agricultural Research Service, Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit)
Stipend: $3,490 – $4,536 per month
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 1–2 participants per specific research project/mentor listing
Dates: May 18 – August 18
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field; U.S. citizens; must have health insurance
This research opportunity places students in a barley and oat improvement project that combines traditional, molecular, and genomics methods. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will hybridize plants, evaluate germplasm for phenotypic characteristics, perform DNA extractions, run PCR assays, and create molecular genetic markers. The position involves working in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments, giving students comprehensive experience in plant genetics research. You will learn to design PCR-based assays for single-nucleotide polymorphisms using sequence data and evaluate treatment effects using statistical methods. This internship is ideal for students interested in agricultural science, plant genetics, and molecular biology research.
9. IHS Sanitation Facilities Construction Internship (Indian Health Service)
Location: Fort Hall, Idaho
Stipend: Paid monthly, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies annually
Dates: Starts June (flexible); 8-12 weeks, extendable up to 16 weeks
Application Deadline: April 3
Eligibility: Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related engineering field; must be returning to school for Fall; U.S. citizens; valid driver's license required
In this internship, you collaborate with IHS engineers on projects that serve American Indian homes with safe drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal facilities. You will gain experience planning, designing, and preparing construction documents, observing facility construction, and collecting GIS data on water and sanitation systems. The program includes opportunities to meet with tribal leaders, utility personnel, and community members, providing insight into the unique challenges tribal communities face in accessing sanitation services. This internship is excellent for engineering students interested in public health, environmental justice, and serving Native American communities.
10. Idaho State University Integrative Physiology Lab Summer Internship
Location: Pocatello, Idaho (Idaho State University, Integrative Physiology Lab)
Stipend: $1,300
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 2 students
Dates: June 22 – July 17; Boise travel: July 15–16
Application Deadline: May 26
Eligibility: Undergraduates (preferably 1st or 2nd year); must have completed at least one semester of research in the lab (BIOL 4482) to be eligible for summer funding
This summer internship at Idaho State University's Integrative Physiology Lab offers students the opportunity to learn lab skills, working on physiology and animal behavior research. You will practice research techniques, conduct experiments, and then present your findings in Boise. The program is funded by an NSF CAREER grant and provides a unique opportunity for students to gain research experience in a focused, short-term format. Selected interns will work 35 hours per week in the lab, developing skills in physiological research methods and data collection. The program concludes with a trip to Boise for a presentation, helping you build scientific communication skills alongside research competencies.
11. Summer Authentic Research Experience (SARE) – I-CREWS Project
Location: Multiple locations across Idaho (through Idaho EPSCoR)
Stipend: Up to $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 25–30 students
Dates: Mid-May to Early August
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students at two- and four-year colleges and universities across Idaho
In this program, you engage in a paid, hands-on internship focused on the resilience of critical energy-water systems. You will explore diverse topics spanning geosciences, biological sciences, social sciences, and computational modeling. Throughout the summer, you will collect environmental data in the field, collaborate on interdisciplinary research teams, participate in a virtual research community, and present your work at the Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research. The program's statewide integration allows you to network extensively with peers and faculty from both two- and four-year colleges across Idaho. By the end of the experience, you will have developed concrete skills in field methodologies, data analysis, and professional scientific communication.
12. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - BURP Summer Technician Internship
Location: Statewide across Idaho; Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 18 technicians total
Dates: Late June through August/September (end dates are flexible)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Undergraduate student, recent graduate, or possess equivalent experience; possess a valid driver’s license; ability to lift up to 50 lbs, walk 8 miles a day over rough terrain, and navigate wadable streams; willingness to camp in remote locations for up to 4 nights a week
As a BURP Summer Technician, you will spend your summer evaluating the ecological health and water quality of Idaho's streams and rivers. You will navigate to remote locations, collect water chemistry samples, survey stream habitats, and sample aquatic macroinvertebrates or fish. While covering core topics like aquatic ecology and environmental monitoring, the program's unique feature is its intensive fieldwork model, where you frequently camp and travel across rugged backcountry areas. Through this hands-on work, you will build essential practical skills in field data collection, biological sampling techniques, and off-road navigation. Ultimately, this immersive experience prepares you directly for a career in environmental science.
13. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) – Engineering Internships
Location: Lewiston, ID; Moscow, ID; and Boise, ID
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size varies by department
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current undergraduates pursuing degrees in Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Chemical, or Process Engineering, or Computer Science/Mathematics
In this internship, you step into the practical world of power system protection, grid automation, and industrial cybersecurity. Throughout the program, you will actively test critical hardware relays and write essential software scripts. You will design functional circuit board components and help analyze power grid data alongside experienced engineers. Your daily tasks directly support the continuous reliability of critical power grids across the globe. Ultimately, you will walk away with highly sought-after skills in schematic design, hardware testing methodologies, applied programming, and power system analysis.
14. Clearwater Analytics - Software Development Engineer Internships
Location: Boise, Idaho (HQ)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 10–25 interns for the SDE track
Dates: Summer Cohort: June – August (12-week program)
Application Deadline: October of the prior year
Eligibility: Currently pursuing a BS/MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field; proficiency in Java/Kotlin, SQL, and Object-Oriented Programming (OOP); valid U.S. work authorization
In this internship, you will explore core topics like financial technology, data organization, and cloud-based software systems. During your typical workday, you will write computer code, fix data flow problems, and test software pieces to ensure they work safely. You get to work on the actual live product used by major investment firms, and through this hands-on work, you will learn valuable technical skills, including database management, server-side coding, and teamwork in a professional tech environment. Ultimately, you will finish the summer with real-world experience that directly prepares you for a successful programming career.
15. HP Inc. - Hardware/Test Engineering Internships
Location: Boise, Idaho (HP Inc. Boise Campus)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~150 interns
Dates: Summer Cohort: 10–12 weeks, typically starting between May 15 and June 15, ending in August; Spring and Fall cohorts are rare for Hardware and usually depend on specific team business needs
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Must have completed their 3rd year (juniors); have permanent US work authorization (HP typically does not provide CPT/OPT sponsorship for these roles); majoring in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Physics
In HP’s Hardware and Test Engineering Internship, you immerse yourself in product development, focusing on topics like hardware design, systems engineering, and component reliability. During the program, you will design physical hardware prototypes, execute rigorous diagnostic tests, analyze performance metrics, and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to solve issues. The role provides direct access to HP’s state-of-the-art testing labs, allowing you to work on actual devices destined for the global consumer market alongside senior mentors. By the end, you will have developed essential skills in hardware troubleshooting, circuit analysis, technical data evaluation, and professional project management.
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