15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Kentucky
Participating in a college internship or two is one of the most effective ways for you to bridge the gap between academic coursework and the professional world. If you’re pursuing a STEM degree, internships are particularly valuable, as they allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in laboratory, field, and industry settings while under the guidance of experienced mentors. Kentucky offers a rich landscape of STEM internship opportunities worth pursuing, thanks to its concentration of research universities, federal partnerships, and industries in manufacturing, energy, and life sciences.
If you’re based in or around Kentucky, a local internship is a super accessible way to gain experience without spending a ton of money.
If you want to check out STEM internships in other states, have a look at those on offer in Arizona here, for those near Colorado, find a list of STEM internships there here!
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
Participating in a STEM internship during college can meaningfully improve your employability prospects after graduation. These internships allow you to test whether a particular field—be it nuclear physics, environmental science, or computer engineering—is the right career path for you before committing to a full-time role. Many internships also often offer a stipend and financial support when needed. As a STEM intern, you’ll also form mentorship relationships with faculty members or industry experts, leading to strong letters of recommendation, co-authored publications, and conference presentations, all of which contribute to your postgrad and career plans.
With that, here are 15 STEM internships for undergraduates in Kentucky!
1. University of Kentucky: Physics & Astronomy REU
Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Stipend: $7,000
Cohort Size: 10
Dates: May 25 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 2nd or 3rd-year undergraduates
The University of Kentucky’s Physics & Astronomy REU is an NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates program that gives you the chance to work alongside experts and faculty members. As an intern, you will be placed in individual mentored research projects in nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, and astronomy, all connected through the central theme of symmetry. The program also includes professional development seminars, technical training in computation and data analysis, and a day excursion to Oak Ridge National Laboratory. By the end of the internship, you’ll be expected to present your results at a local poster session and will be encouraged to present at national conferences.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduates who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship opportunity in which university students will collaborate with startups and nonprofit organizations globally. The participating startups often operate across diverse industries, including STEM, data science, AI/ML, health tech, and more. During the internship, you will contribute to real-world projects that meet the genuine needs of the organizations you partner with and will present your work upon completion. As an intern, you will also work closely with your respective managers at the startup. Apply here!
3. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: University of Kentucky & Various NASA centers across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid (hourly rate; specific compensation varies)
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Multiple cohorts; Summer: May – August
Application Deadline: February 27 (summer)
Eligibility: Students (16+) currently enrolled at a college with a GPA of 3.0+
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships that allow you to contribute to NASA's mission in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. As an intern, you will work directly with NASA professionals, research scientists, engineers, technologists, and mission support specialists at various NASA centers and facilities across the U.S. The NASA Kentucky Space Grant at the University of Kentucky actively supports Kentucky students in applying and can be contacted at nasa@uky.edu for guidance. Internships are available on both full-time and part-time bases, and placements span a wide range of STEM and non-STEM disciplines.
4. Thomas More University Biology Field Station: Aquatic Biology Research Internships
Location: Thomas More University, Crestview Hills, KY
Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: 8
Dates: May 31 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Undergraduates with a GPA of 3.0+; Must have completed courses in General Biology I & II or General Chemistry I & II, etc., and must be interested in careers in aquatic biology, ecology, environmental science, fisheries, or field biology
The Thomas More research internship allows you to spend the summer working on field-based research projects connected to aquatic biology, conservation, and environmental science along the Ohio River. Your work can include animal care, water quality monitoring, fisheries studies, or tracking harmful algal blooms, depending on the project you’re assigned. The internship is structured around hands-on fieldwork, with time split between data collection, lab analysis, and documentation. You’ll also interact with local agencies, nonprofits, and researchers, which gives you exposure to applied environmental work beyond campus. The program includes research seminars, site visits to nearby labs, and opportunities to support K-12 STEM outreach. You’ll work directly in a field station setting, contributing to ongoing environmental research projects while collaborating with scientists and community partners.
5. KY INBRE Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)
Location: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, & University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Stipend: $5,500
Cohort Size: 20
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: November – February 27
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduates (18+) at any Kentucky college/regional university or Kentucky residents attending out-of-state colleges; Students attending the University of Louisville or the University of Kentucky are not eligible
The KY INBRE Summer Undergraduate Research Program is an in-person experience conducted on both campuses and provides exposure to active biomedical research labs. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience in areas such as molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and related disciplines. The program also allows you to present your research at the Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting held each November. This is a strong fit for students from smaller Kentucky colleges or Kentucky residents attending out-of-state schools who want summer research at a major research university.
6. University of Louisville: IMPACT-NG REU
Location: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Stipend: $7,000
Cohort Size: 10
Dates: May 26 – August 5
Application Deadline: March 15 (tentative)
Eligibility: Undergraduates majoring in physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, materials science, medicine, or biology
IMPACT-NG REU is a 10-week program that supplements research with educational seminars and workshops.Through structured hands-on training classes, personalized independent research projects, and faculty mentorship, you’ll engage with applications across health, medicine, defense, energy, wearables, and manufacturing. You’ll also get to develop both oral and written communication skills alongside your technical competencies. By the end of the program, you’ll get to present your findings at up to three professional conferences, including the NNCI REU Convocation.
7. University of Louisville: Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chain (AMSC) REU
Location: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Stipend: $6,000 (10 weeks); Up to $800 for travel expenses and food allowance
Cohort Size: 10
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: U.S. community college students and sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduates in AMSC-related fields with a GPA of 3.0+
This program provides 10 weeks of summer experiential training in advanced manufacturing and supply chain research. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors on cutting-edge projects motivated by real-world problems.You’ll also participate in professional development activities, including workshops, training sessions, research presentations, and industry plant tours. Past research projects have included topics in physics-based machine learning, printed electronics, and manufacturing process optimization.
8. University of Louisville: Computer Systems Research REU
Location: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Stipend: $7,200 + $492 travel allowance
Cohort Size: 8 studentsDates: May 18 – July 17 Application Deadline: March 1Eligibility: Undergraduates (18+) majoring in computer science, computer engineering, or related fields with a GPA of 3.0+; Must have finished at least a year of study (however, rising seniors are preferred)
The Computer Systems Research REU program hosts eight students for a nine-week summer session each year. As an intern, you will participate in activities that include specialized computer systems training (computer architecture, operating systems, Linux command line, Python scripting), research methodology workshops, a multi-level mentoring model, field trips, and social events. Five faculty members with diverse expertise in computer systems research will mentor you and involve you in their ongoing projects. At the end of the program, you’ll be expected to prepare a final technical report and poster, and also be encouraged to publish your work in a professional conference.
9. University of Kentucky: Water Resources & Sustainable Engineering REU (MESO Program)
Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Stipend: $7,000
Cohort Size: 10 students
Dates: May 25 – July 31 (Year 2); May 24 - July 30 (Year 3)
Application Deadline: November 15 – February 15
Eligibility: Rising 2nd-year (at least) undergraduates with at least one semester of coursework left; Must have completed first year chemistry and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents; More info here
Hosted at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, this program gives you the chance to work with faculty mentors from the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering on projects ranging from watershed modeling to sustainable infrastructure.Each REU participant will be assigned a faculty mentor, who will initiate contact with the participant 4 to 6 weeks before their arrival on the UK campus. The program highlights include two tracks: Environmental and Water Resource Impairments and Solution Challenges in Appalachian Communities, and Sustainable Engineering Solutions and Economic Feasibility for Appalachian Communities. The program also includes field trips to Appalachian field sites, industry tours, visits to Mammoth Cave National Park and Robinson Forest, and kayaking at Red River Gorge.
10. Kentucky Geological Survey: Paul Edwin Potter Internship Program
Location: Kentucky Geological Survey / Floracliff Nature Preserve, Lexington, KY
Stipend: $15.75/hour, 40 hours per week
Cohort Size: 6 students
Dates: May 18 – July 29
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 8
Eligibility: Incoming and current undergraduate students interested in geoscience and related fields
The Potter Internship provides academic and professional development in geoscience-related research at the Kentucky Geological Survey. Projects may include, but are not limited to, water budget and flood modelling of the watershed, stream monitoring, floodplain trenching, geochemical and microscopic analyses of stream deposits, drone surveying of a precipitation-induced landslide, and investigating links between biologic activity, soil disturbance, and hydrology. As an intern, you will work in standard GIS software packages and learn the basics of planning field work and note-taking. You will also receive guidance from KGS mentors and attend professional development sessions with weekly discussion groups, field training, and mock job interviews.
11. University of Kentucky REU: Engineered Bioactive Interfaces and Devices
Location: University of Kentucky College of Engineering, Lexington, KY
Stipend: $7,000 + Up to $300 in relocation expenses
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 18 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors
This long-running NSF-funded REU provides a multidisciplinary summer research and education experience in the area of engineered bioactive interfaces and devices at the University of Kentucky College of Engineering. As a participant, you’ll work on projects involving cell and protein interactions with materials and their incorporation into devices, spanning chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, materials engineering, and pharmaceutical sciences. The program includes professional development seminars, field trips, interactions with trainees, and opportunities to present at research symposia.
12. NE Kentucky AHEC: Summer Health Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Various sites across Northeastern Kentucky
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Late May – June
Application Deadline: January 5 – March 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate health professions students attending college within northeastern Kentucky and those attending college elsewhere but with a permanent address in the NE AHEC’s service area
The Summer Health Internship Program (SHIP) provides paid six-week internships that link you with health departments, community health centers, and health-related organizations. Projects at these sites vary widely and address local public health priorities. As an intern, you may work on data analysis, community health assessments, environmental health monitoring, or health education initiatives. On-site mentors will also provide technical support, helping you gain an understanding of public health practice and its intersection with STEM disciplines.
13. Logan Aluminum Internship Programs
Location: Logan Aluminum, Russellville, KY
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Internships: Any 3 months between May and August; Co-ops: 3-6 months in the fall or spring
ApplicationDeadline: No fixed deadline listed
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with sophomore standing or above in a relevant major; Must be authorized to work full-time in the U.S.
The Logan Aluminium internships allow you to work full-time on operational and technical projects within a large-scale aluminum manufacturing environment, with placement depending on your major. Your responsibilities may include supporting production systems, analyzing process efficiency, assisting with engineering tasks, or contributing to IT and business operations. The internship is structured around day-to-day involvement with active teams, where you apply classroom concepts to real industrial workflows. You’ll collaborate with engineers, technicians, and managers, gaining exposure to how different departments coordinate in a manufacturing setting. Depending on your role, you may also document processes, troubleshoot systems, or assist with ongoing improvement initiatives.
14. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky: STEM Co-op & Internship
Location: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky and PEMC, Georgetown, KY
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Summer term (12-14 weeks)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Currently enrolled full-time in a STEM discipline
Toyota North America offers 12-14 week STEM internships and co-op positions at its manufacturing plants and engineering centers, including Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK). From day one, you’ll take ownership of projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams. You’ll also contribute to areas such as production engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, manufacturing systems, and sustainability initiatives, including carbon neutrality and vehicle development. You’ll gain proficiency in tools and technologies used at Toyota, from programming languages and data visualization platforms to manufacturing systems. The program is designed as a talent pipeline and can lead to future full-time employment.
15. Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership: Summer Internship Program
Location: Former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Paducah, KY
Stipend: Paid (hourly rate; specific compensation varies)
Cohort Size: 19 interns
Dates: May 18 – July 23
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate sophomores or higher (18+) in an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.5
Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership (FRNP) offers paid summer internships in western Kentucky. As an intern, you’ll work with a team of experienced professionals dedicated to the safe environmental remediation of the DOE Paducah Site, applying classroom learning to practical tasks and project activities. Internship areas include engineering, environmental science, health physics, industrial safety, project management, and other STEM and occupational safety and health fields. The program has a strong record of converting interns to full-time employees, many of whom have leveraged their experience into permanent roles at the site.
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