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George Mason University

How to apply

ASSIP is a competitive cutting-edge original research project program. 

We are searching for enthusiastic, creative students who are dedicated to performing hands-on research during the summer.

ASSIP students in lab

Application

Important Dates for the 2025 Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program:

  • 2026 ASSIP Application opens: Monday, December 8, 2025
  • 2026 ASSIP Application deadline: Sunday, February 15, 2026 by 11:59 pm.
  • Mandatory ASSIP Orientation: Thursday, June 18, 2026
  • First day in mentor’s research group: Monday, June 22, 2026
  • Research Symposium (last day of internship): Wednesday, August 12, 2026
  • No ASSIP on Friday, June 19, 2026 in observance of Juneteenth and Friday, July 3, 2026 in observance of Independence Day

Science, technology, engineering, and math courses completed, GPA, volunteer/work experience, and personal statements will be considered when reviewing applicants. Interviews will be scheduled for highly qualified candidates.  There is no minimum GPA requirement, and transcripts are not required at the application stage. 

The costs associated with ASSIP participation include a $25 nonrefundable application processing fee, and a $1299 tuition fee for accepted interns. Applicants with financial need can request a fee waiver code to waive their application fee and their program tuition. They can email cosassip@gmu.edu and provide a current copy of their free/reduced lunch eligibility (high school students) or Pell Grant Aid letter (university students).

For safety and liability reasons, applicants must be 16 years old or older as of the first day of the program each year if they are working in a laboratory with biological or chemical hazards. For all other internships, applicants must be 15 by the first day of the program.  Students may participate in the program for a total of two summer sessions.

Mentors select their internship formats-remote, in-person, or hybrid (some in-person and some remote). Some mentors are flexible on internship format based on the candidate. All mentors report the internship format they plan to offer on their pages in the “Prospective 2026 ASSIP Mentors” tab. 

Research laboratories for in-person and hybrid format internships are located at George Mason University's Science and Technology Campus (Manassas, VA), the Potomac Science Center (Woodbridge Campus), or the Fairfax Campus. Students are responsible for their transportation. Usually, non-Mason interns may purchase low-cost general parking permits for use during ASSIP. ASSIP interns may ride free Mason shuttles which provide transportation throughout the area and between Mason's Fairfax and Manassas Campuses. Program hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m., for 30 hours/week except for June 19 and July 3 when the university will be closed. 

We are likely to be able to arrange reasonably-priced campus housing for students 18 years and older at the start of the program; students must pay for that housing.  We are unable to arrange campus housing for minors. The program begins with a required orientation and training on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The internship concludes with the required annual ASSIP Research Symposium and Celebration on August 12, 2026. 

A letter of recommendation is notrequired and will not be accepted during the initial review process. Transcripts are neither requested nor accepted.

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.