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What is an ASE Internship Like?

Your go-to page for frequently asked questions about the ASE program and more!

Note: the ASE Application for 2023 has CLOSED.

ASE typically offers about 110 internships each year. Mentor partners vary but usually fall under one of the following general disciplines: Biology, Health or Medicine, Earth or Environmental Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics. Starting in early January, ASE will update position descriptions as mentors submit them.

Interns contribute to one or more projects at the mentor’s organization throughout the summer. Interns complete 296 internship hours with their mentor between June and late August. Internship hours are usually scheduled by the mentors for 8-5, Monday-Friday. We typically DO NOT allow students to be at their internships more than 9 hours per day, so please schedule accordingly.

What are the Expectations of Student Interns?

Your full participation in the ASE Program requires you to take primary responsibility for your internship experience. Recognition for completion of the program and documentation for school credit is awarded through full participation in the ASE Program. Students who do not meet the expectations of the program and the mentor may have their internship terminated, leading to forfeiture of stipend and loss of school credit. All interns must read and agree to the Intern Expectations.

  • Attendance & Participation
  • Workplace Safety & Professionalism
  • Communication, Logistics & Documentation
Select from the following:
  • Work with the mentor to approve your schedule for the duration of the internship, including the expected daily schedule, vacation arrangements, and start/end dates. The equivalent of eight weeks, full-time at the internship (approximately 296 hours), plus three days for attendance at the orientation and conferences, is expected (approximately 318 hours in total). 

  • Arrive promptly at work days and events, including meetings. Discuss expectations with your mentor regarding schedule and availability, including but not limited to arriving for work, leaving, lunch and break; whether in person or remote. Meet agreed upon timelines for each stage of the project, or in advance, discuss with the mentor any need to revise the schedule. Make sure the mentor is informed of any barriers to progress. Discuss progress and questions with the mentor fully and openly. 

  • Attend, and participate fully in required ASE Program activities, including Orientation, Midsummer Conference and Symposium. Submit any requested materials to program staff in preparation for these events.

  • Conform to all rules and regulations of the internship site, especially health and safety practices and policies. 

  • Conform to mentor organization rules for proper use and etiquette of internet, email and phone/cell phone, including both personal and organizational devices and software, as well as organizational confidentiality practices. 

  • Become familiar with the background of the internship topic by asking your new colleagues questions and by studying any assigned reading. 

  • Write thank you letters to the individuals responsible for your position as directed by program staff.

  • Be a positive representative of the Saturday Academy ASE Program, your mentor and your host organization. 

  • Respect and embrace the diversity of all involved, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and/or physical abilities.

  • Inform the program staff in a timely fashion of any harassment or harassing behavior. 

  • Enthusiastically participate in the project provided the host mentor organization. Engage with colleagues at the hosting institution and participate in social activities whenever possible. 

  • Read all communications from program staff, Saturday Academy Staff, Mentors, and the host mentor organization and respond in a timely manner whenever necessary. Interns should be reachable via email or phone easily in the case of emergencies. 

  • Cooperate with your Teacher Monitor and ASE in tracking your performance and evaluating the program.

  • Notify your Teacher Monitor immediately about any problems at the internship site or changes to your schedule.  

  • When questions arise about culture or behavior at the hosting company, notify your Teacher Monitor to determine if the experience is expected or common, and to acquire tips about how to best navigate the situation.

  • Maintain a daily activity log book. Retain a copy of the log for twelve (12) months following your internship.

  • Cash stipend check disbursed by Saturday Academy within fourteen (14) days of its receipt in the mail.

What are the Expectations of Parents of Student Interns?

Your child’s full participation as an intern in the ASE Program requires them to take primary responsibility for their internship experience. Your supporting role is key to their success. We expect the following support from parents and guardians.

  • Agree that your student may participate fully in the ASE Program, including full-time 8 weeks at the internship site, i.e. the agreed-upon schedule arranged with the mentor, and full attendance and participation in ASE Events: Orientation, Midsummer Conference and Symposium.
  • Encourage and facilitate your student in carrying out their responsibilities and learning activities. Make a good faith effort to attend the ASE Symposium.
  • Inform yourself of the activities occurring in the mentor’s facility and of those activities in which your student will be participating. Saturday Academy has not formally inquired into or assessed the hazards or the safety record of the host facility, and has no power, authority or control over the host facility. Except for professional qualifications, Saturday Academy has not conducted a background check on the mentor and their associates at the host facility. Use your judgment to decide whether your student will be able to work safely in the environment of the host facility.
  • Mentors are informed that parents and guardians are welcome to visit the host facility at least once prior to or during internship, unless otherwise prohibited due to COVID requirements or other limitations.
  • Assume responsibility for the safety and conduct of your student while they are traveling to and from the internship site or other program activities.
  • Carry appropriate medical insurance coverage for your student. If you do not have medical insurance coverage, please call the ASE office, 503-200-5860 for assistance before the start of the student internship. 
  • Consult with program staff (Director, Manager, Coordinator, and Teacher Monitor) in a timely manner about any concerns that may arise during the ASE Program.
  • Understand that your student may be involved in new and unfamiliar situations in their workplace. With the exception of any inappropriate conduct, this is an important part of their learning experience. Note that our program offers student support and tips for best navigating workplace dynamics and we encourage students to reach out to Teacher Monitors and program staff directly with concerns and questions. 
  • Allow Saturday Academy permission to collect follow-up information on your student’s continuing interests and participation in STEM for the purpose of long-term program evaluation required by funding agencies.
  • Respond in a timely manner to all requests for information made by ASE staff.
  • Allow your student to be the primary communicator with ASE staff, mentors, and colleagues. 
  • Notify program staff in a timely manner if any medical care was needed in relation with the student’s participation in the program. Program staff will work with guardians to complete our insurance processes - parents and guardians should plan to actively participate in these processes.

How Much Time Does an ASE Internship Take?

Total Minimum Student Hours in ASE Program: 318 hours

The total of 318 hours only includes the internship hours (296 hours) and required ASE events listed below (22 hours). Student “after-hours” preparation will vary, as with any educational experience. Substantial reading is typically assigned by the mentor, and Symposium preparation typically takes students several hours.

 

You can use the Calendar Calculator tool to estimate your internship days/hours. 

 

IMPORTANT: The Calendar Calculator is only useful in determining whether or not you can possibly participate in the program. All schedules are ultimately at the discretion of your ASE mentor. Some mentors have family vacations planned during the summer or need students in the lab during specific times during the summer for research. Most internship schedules allow for 2 weeks of vacation during the summer. Internships CANNOT start before the end of the school year. Most start dates will be the week of June 20th. All 296 internship hours MUST be completed by August 25th. ASE also prefers that students save at least 2 extra make-up days for possible illness at the end of the summer.

Will There Be Events or Requirements Outside of My Internship Hours?

Yes! The ASE Program provides valuable experiences throughout the summer. See the following events and requirements:

  • Events
  • Requirements
Select from the following:

1. Orientation - Late May

Students are given professional skills training to get them ready for their ASE internship experience.

 

2. Midsummer Conference - July 20th, 2023

This conference includes: (a) career lectures and seminars led by scientists, engineers, and other technical professionals; (b) hands-on workshops in various technical areas such as DNA electrophoresis, measuring air pollution, and computer modeling; and (c) a workshop on making professional scientific presentations.

 

3. ASE Symposium - August 10th, 2023

Interns present their summer projects to each other and other guests. At this conference each student gives a 15-minute oral presentation presided over by professional scientists or engineers. When students are not presenting their own projects, they attend sessions where other students describe their experiences. Students typically spend several hours preparing for the Symposium.

1. Internship Evaluation with Teacher Monitor: Students complete an evaluation of their experience with the teacher monitor twice during the summer.

 

2.  Internship Summary: Interns write a 500-word internship summary at the end of their internship summarizing their project and what they learned during the summer. (This summary is quite helpful in developing Symposium presentations.)

 

3. Thank You Letters: The student also writes formal thank-you letters to people who made their internship possible. The students are given training on writing thank-you letters as many of the letters go to high-level professionals in the academic, business, and governmental sectors.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

To be eligible to apply students must:

  • Have not been an ASE intern before. A student may only have one ASE internship during their high school career. This is to ensure that more students are able to participate in the ASE program.
  • Be a rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grader (or equivalent). 
  • Be interested in pursuing a career in math and science, motivated to learn, and prepared to participate in a professional environment.
  • Live near our internship locations (usually in the Portland-Metro area, and the Albany/Corvallis/Eugene areas) OR have adult family or friends that you can live with during the summer near our internship locations. (ASE does not provide housing for students and does not allow students to live on their own.) If you apply for positions that are greater than 50 miles from your home address or local address provided on your online application, ASE will remove your application from those positions, even if the position is virtual, because all students are required to attend one in-person ASE event.
  • Regardless of internship type (in-person or online), ASE is unable to support international applicants at this time. 
  • Have reliable transportation to and from our internship locations. (Public transportation is fine.) ASE does not provide transportation for students.
  • Have proof of health insurance.
  • Applicants may not apply for positions wherein the mentor is a family member.

Note: There is no minimum age required for ASE, but some host organizations have age requirements for their positions. For positions with age requirements, applicants must be the minimum age by May 15th.

In-Person Internships & COVID-19

Many of our internships take place in-person or have in-person elements, and we recognize that COVID-19 is likely to be a risk for the foreseeable future. We defer to the mentor organization for their policy on wearing masks, physical distancing, and communication & quarantine protocols should an exposure occur. Interns will then sign a waiver agreement that they agree to follow any protocols provided by their mentor, and understand potential risks. We will continue to adapt to the situation in Oregon and support the safety of students as our top priority.

 

Now that COVID-19 vaccination is widely available, workplaces, organizations, campuses, and laboratories may require interns to have their vaccines as a prerequisite to an in-person program. Please look to position descriptions for clarity or email ASE@saturdayacademy.org for more information on this policy. Vaccination requirements are subject to change at the hosting organization's discretion. 

 

We will be holding the ASE Midsummer Conference in-person this year, and attendance is required for all interns. Interns will be expected to follow Saturday Academy's safety policies for in-person events, which are updated quarterly.

 

Please note ASE & partner mentors reserve the right to cancel internships at any time due to COVID concerns, or any other reason.

 

Updated January, 2023

What Are the Benefits of an ASE Internship?

  • 296+ hours of pre-professional experience with a STEAM industry professional
  • Two conferences that build your science career knowledge and network
  • High school credit if applicable
  • A stipend of $1,100 paid in two increments during the summer

What Are the Costs?

A non-refundable $35 application processing fee is due when a student fully submits their online application.

 

All fees are waived for students eligible for Free & Reduced Lunch or those who qualify for financial aid.

 

Please note, in previous years there was a $250 program fee for accepted applicants. As of 2021, this fee has been eliminated.

What Kind of Support Does ASE Provide?

  • ASE Staff
  • Teacher Monitors
  • Application Skills Workshops
Select from the following:

ASE team members provide support throughout the summer to students. They…

  • Recruit students from around the region
  • Administer orientation and training to all participants
  • Arrange stipend payments and liability insurance
  • Provide support throughout the internship with on-call staff
  • Ensure state and federal compliance

Our program hires teachers in Oregon and Washington to monitor the internships and act as a resource for students and mentors. They…

  • Assist with orientations and events
  • Document internships on-site
  • Serve as communications liaison, problem-solver, and facilitator for a mentor, intern, and ASE staff

ASE offers free Cover Letter Writing workshops to all students who start their ASE application. Workshops are NOT mandatory for ASE applicants, however, students that have attended the workshops would recommend them to other students.

How do I Apply?

IMPORTANT: Review our ASE Application Guide carefully for useful tips and a successful application experience.

Join our mailing list to be notified about important details of the 2024 process.

 

Get started on your application. Start by browsing current internships. To apply, add internships to your locker - from here you can start your application and create an ASE Internship account. This will allow you to save your progress. For a step-by-step guide on how to open an application, visit our ASE Application Guide.

 

If you have questions or experience technical difficulties during the application process, please contact us by phone (503-200-5860) or email ase@saturdayacademy.org. You can also find contact information for specific ASE staff here.

Please contact ASE Staff ONLY - DO NOT contact ASE mentors. Contacting the mentors may disqualify your current application and future applications to the ASE program. 

How Are Interns Selected?

After the final application deadline, ASE staff send the mentors all of the application packets. Mentors review the applications and possibly conduct interviews. Based on mentor feedback, ASE staff match students to appropriate positions. At that time, students are notified and internships are offered. Find out more!

Where Can I Find Out More About Internships & Careers in STEM Fields?

We are committed to all students exploring their passion for science, technology, engineering, and math. The ASE program is very competitive and specific to 9-11 graders. We receive more than 400 applications each year for approximately 130 internships. We encourage you to apply for an internship with us and participate in our free Cover Letter Writing workshops while the application window is open. In addition, you can explore other options designed to help you follow your curiosity in STEM fields.  Here are some additional resources for high school students to engage in STEM.

Application Deadline

The Application Deadline is on Friday, March 3rd, 2023 at 11:59 pm.

Check the ASE Application Guide to find out more about how to apply. Extensions will not be granted under any circumstances.

What Additional Steps Are Needed to Start My Internship?

Specific organizations have shared information about the required steps to complete before starting an internship. Interns should be prepared to do the following background work if their internship will take place at the sites listed below. 

 

(Please note: this list is not inclusive of all organizations with special registration processes and may change from year to year.)

  • Bonneville Power
  • HP
  • Intel
  • Lumencor
  • OHSU
  • VA Portland Health Care System
  • Collins Aerospace
Select from the following:

BPA Interns will be required to go through a registration process at BPA prior to the start of the internship. Be aware this process may take up to 6 weeks. Interns will need to have the following original, government-issued documents in order to start the security process: 

  • Drivers License (permit is acceptable), OR
  • Passport

AND

  • Social Security Card, OR
  • Original Birth Certificate (state issued, not issued by the hospital) - must have state stamp of authenticity

Interns will be required to take a security/background check. Interns will be paid a wage directly instead of receiving a stipend and will need to complete related paperwork.

Interns will be required to go through a registration process at Intel prior to the start of the internship. Be aware that this process may take several weeks. ASE will send a packet to sign and return to ASE. Interns will need to provide a government-issued photo ID at the time of registration with Intel.

Interns will be paid a wage directly instead of receiving a stipend and will need to complete related paperwork.

OHSU requires a background check, testing, and other paperwork to be completed. Follow this link to get started on the OHSU onboarding process. Medical clearance may be required and may take 3-5 days to process. If required, you will need to provide your personal health records. If you do not have up-to-date immunizations or cannot find documentation, you may receive medical services by OHSU at no cost to you. Applicants should be aware that on-site parking may be limited and/or unavailable throughout the summer; interns may be required to rely on public transit or alternative transportation.

The intern will need to complete several training modules and fill out an application with multiple components at least 4 weeks prior to starting the internship. The intern will be required to take a security/background check. Medical clearance may be required. 

Interns will be paid a wage directly instead of receiving a stipend and will need to complete related paperwork.

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