How to apply

Preparing to apply | References | Submitting

Review this page thoroughly before applying, and follow instructions carefully as you prepare your application.

For Summer 2026, we are planning for an in-person/hybrid internship program where interns come on-site to our Boulder, Colorado campuses, and on occasion meetings may be held virtually over Zoom or Google Meet.

Preparing to apply

  • Review Eligibility & Benefits to confirm that you are eligible.
  • Read through 2026 Technical Projects or CODE Intern to find one or two opportunities that match your interests.
  • Get an unofficial transcript or transcripts from your college or university. Graduate students should include both their undergraduate and graduate transcripts. You can likely download these for free from your school's student portal.
  • Update your resume or CV. When you upload the file, the system will scan it and autofill the information about prior jobs. You must have at least one prior job but do not need to list all of them.

  • Write a personal statement that is no longer than two (2) pages that clearly addresses each of the following seven (7) questions. (Use 1-inch margins, and a font no smaller than 11 points.) The personal statement questions carry considerable weight for the application, please be thoughtful with your responses and answer all seven (7) questions. Please review our AI guidelines before writing your essays.

    NSF NCAR and SIParCS embrace a collaborative, supportive, and positive work environment. SIParCS is dedicated to developing the technical and professional skills of the future high performance computing and scientific communities and sharing our science with a broader audience.

    1. Describe a situation when you helped build or sustain a collaborative, positive, supportive community. What strategies or lessons did you use to collaborate, lead, or solve problems? The situation does not have to be related to science, research, or education. If you haven't had this experience, explain what you believe makes a positive and supportive community and how you would contribute to one in the future, including any strategies you'd use to collaborate, lead, and problem-solve.
    2. How could your approach to community and leadership enhance the experience for your fellow interns and strengthen the SIParCS program as a whole?
    3. How does participating in SIParCS complement your current interests and future career goals?

    Mentorship: SIParCS interns work with their mentors on a specified project and are responsible for communicating with their mentoring team, organizing meetings, asking for help, etc.

    1. Describe an experience where you took initiative, guided and supported peers, and/or collaborated to achieve goals. Please include how you will apply these skills to work with your mentoring team.
    2. What do you hope to gain from receiving mentorship as part of the SIParCS program?

    Students may apply to up to two (2) SIParCS projects.

    1. Ensure that you identify and address interest in one or two chosen projects.
      1. Identify the project and why you are interested in this chosen project.
      2. If you're applying to a second project, identify the project and why you are interested in this chosen project. Clearly address your distinct interest for each project.
    2. Share your non-technical interests, collaborations, and skills that are not covered in your resume, CV, or transcript.

References

For the 2026 application cycle, SIParCS no longer requires a letter of reference or reference contact information as part of the application.

Submitting your application

Combine your personal statement, resume/CV, and transcript(s) into a single PDF document.

Name the PDF using this format: LastName_FirstName_siparcs

Examples: Hopper_Grace_siparcs.pdf, or Hopper_Grace_CODE.pdf if applying to the CODE position.

Select the appropriate online application form below to submit your application. If you are applying for two projects, please clearly identify and address your interest in the personal statement. You will be only be able to submit one application.

Desired salary: The hourly compensation for these internship positions has not been determined. Because it is not open to negotiation, you can respond "N/A" to the question about this on the application form.