STEM Internships at Foothill College

Through SLI, Foothill College students will have an opportunity to engage in an internship either in research or industry, under the guidance of a mentor/ supervisor. Institutions and companies include biotech startups, Stanford University labs, and more!

NEW IN 2025: The SLI Summer Internships have been rebranded to be called the "First-Generation/ Low-Income (FLI) SLI STEM Paid Internship." This means only students who are first-generation college goers and/or low-income are eligible for acceptance to the program.

All information provided below applies to the summer 2025 program. Applicants are no longer being accepted for this program. Come back next year for the summer 2026 program!

Add Current Information about Next Cycle of Internships

Student Outreach and Information

Please review these materials as you prepare your application for the 2025 program. 

Not Best Practices to Post Old Zoom Sessions, I included slides though in a compressed PDF.

• Slides from information session.

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Application and Catalog

The Project Catalog (updated 4/10/25) is a listing of all the internship placements to be offered in summer 2025. Read through carefully to see what you are interested in. You will be able to select up to five projects you are interested in interning at in your application. But if you aren't intersted in five total projects, it's ok - just list the ones you are interseted in. 

This project catalog gets updated occasionally, so keep a lookout on this webpage which is where the updated catalog will get posted. 

Eligibility criteria

• Foothill College must be listed as your primary institution.
• You must be enrolled at Foothill College in spring 2025 for at least six units.
• You must have demonstrated financial need through completion of the FAFSA, California Dream Act, or by providing an explanation of financial need in the supplementary questions.

We strongly encourage you to complete the FAFSA for 2024–25 if you haven’t done so already. This will greatly improve your chances of a positive review, especially if you demonstrate high need.

You should be a first-generation college student — meaning one or both parents did not graduate from college, either in the U.S. or in another country.

Priority is Given To:

• Students who have not previously had an internship or company experience.
• Students who intend to transfer to a four-year university.
• First-time degree earners (no prior Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree).

Internship schedule and Requirements

All internships will be either 6–7, 15, or 20 hours per week for nine weeks. All internships start the week of July 7, 2025 and run through the week of September 1, 2025.

All internships Require:

• Summer enrollment in ITRN 50 with Dr. Miloni Gandhi. Course tuition will be covered by the Science Learning Institute or your financial aid.
• Attendance at a program orientation before the end of spring quarter and an in-person training before the internship starts (July 2, 2025), both organized by the Science Learning Institute.
• Submission of a final report of your internship experience at the end of the summer.
• A final presentation in early September for an audience of all interns and mentors in the program.
• Attendance at a bi-weekly Zoom cohort seminar on professional development topics (included in your hours/week) — a total of four required seminars.

All of the above activities and sessions are included in the total hours of your internship, in addition to the time spent on your individual internship project.

For Summer 2025, please review the  Project Catalog Add new link when available.. Please review them carefully. You will be able to choose up to five projects that you are interested in, and you will indicate that in the application. You will also be expected to include a short interest paragraph for each project in your application.

Important Pogram Dates

Add dates when available.

Before Submitting your Application

Before submitting the application, there are actions you can take to make the process run more smoothly:

• Fill out the interest form to let us know you are thinking of applying.
• Review the “required skills” in the Project Catalog and make sure you meet the minimum requirements. For some projects, this may include advanced coursework, while others have minimal prerequisites.
• Fill out the AcademicWorks general scholarship application.
• Complete the supplemental application questions, including uploading your resume.
• Upload your resume and unofficial transcript to the scholarship portal.
• Ensure full completion of the application, including your name and the contact information of a faculty or staff reference. A full letter of recommendation is not required.

You may use AI tools to help you brainstorm your essays, but do not use AI to fully write your answers. AI removes your personal voice and authenticity — we want to read essays written in your voice.

There are three types of projects and corresponding internship stipends:

• Six to seven hours per week for nine weeks - $120,015 hours per week for nine weeks - $280,020 hours per week for nine weeks - $3,700
  Scholarship payments will occur in two installments and will depend on successful completion at each stage: one in the middle of the internship and one at the end after completion of the final report and final presentation.
• Depending on your eligibility and the arrangement with the partner, even though this is called a "scholarship program," there will be different ways you will get paid:
  • As a scholarshipthrough student employmenttt hrough temporary employee hiring.
  • Directly through the internship partner for whom you will complete hiring paperwork.

 

A team from SLI will work with the project mentors/ supervisors to review applications and then select candidates. Finalists may be contacted for an interview depending on the project. Review the Project Catalog for more details. Students may get more than one offer but can only accept one project. Final decisions will be made by the end of May.

FLI–SLI STEM Summer Scholarship Internship Program

Please review this before you send an email with any questions. Guidelines for preparing to apply - this is an overview of the various components of the application.

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Frequently asked questions

Last updated: April 1, 2025

This FAQ provides general information about the Science Learning Institute’s (SLI) summer internship program. Some details may vary depending on the specific internship. For further clarification, please contact the SLI staff team.

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Application-Related

1. How can I increase my chances of getting an internship?

Beginning with summer 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a first-generation college student (one or both parents did not finish college or university), and/or
• Be low-income, as shown in a FAFSA, CADAA, or personal statement, and also meet the following:
  • Have not had a prior internship.
  • Do not have a previous bachelor’s degree.
  • Are 18 or older by the start of the internship.
  • Have Foothill College as their primary institution (not De Anza College).
  • Are enrolled in at least six units for spring 2025.
  • Are in good academic standing with no holds or outstanding verification tasks.

Be sure to complete the full application and spend time on your My Story essay. There’s no secret formula — just be thorough and genuine.

2. Can I use AI for my essays?

You may use AI tools to brainstorm, but do not use AI to fully write your essays. Authenticity and personal voice are essential — we want to hear from you.

Eligibility

3. I’m currently in high school taking Foothill classes — am I eligible?

You must be 18 or older by the start of the internship. No exceptions are made for this requirement.

4. I’m not taking classes at Foothill the quarter before the internship. Am I eligible?

For the summer internship program, you must have taken at least six units during the spring quarter before summer. You do not need to take summer classes, except for the required ITRN course.

5. Am I eligible if I am an international student on a student visa?

Yes, as long as you meet these conditions:

• Have been a Foothill student for at least one academic year (nine months, not counting summer) to meet CPT requirements.
• Are first-generation and/or low-income. Since financial aid is not available, include a specific paragraph explaining your financial need.
• If accepted, you must coordinate with both SLI staff and the International Office for CPT paperwork and authorization.

Learn more about CPT requirements. Need updated link on new website.

6. I am an undocumented student — can I apply?

Yes! Payment is processed through scholarships, so work authorization or a Social Security Number is not required. Immigration status will not prevent you from participating.

7. I’m transferring to a four-year university in the fall — can I still participate?

Yes, as long as you complete the full internship through early September, including the final presentation. Some mentors may adjust end dates, but SLI does not modify final presentation timing.

8. I’ll be abroad during the internship — can I still participate?

No. Interns must reside in California during the program. Training and some activities are in-person, and time zone differences cannot be accommodated.

9. I’m a first-year student — am I eligible?

Yes! Many internships are suitable for students early in their academic journey. Enthusiasm and genuine interest matter most.

10. Do I need to be a STEM major?

No. You simply need a genuine interest in the project — not just a desire to build your résumé.

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Acceptance-related

11. If I’m offered more than one internship, can I do both?

No. Each student may participate in only one SLI internship at a time.

12. Will everyone who applies get an internship?

No. We typically have 20–30 placements available each summer, with more applicants than openings. Applying does not guarantee a placement.

13. How many people apply and are accepted each cycle?

• The number of applicants varies each year.
• Approximately 20–30 students are accepted for summer internships.
• Some mentor projects may not be filled due to limited funding or capacity.

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Requirements During the Internship

14. Which ITRN (Internship) course should I sign up for?

• Do not sign up until you are officially accepted into the program.
• All interns must register for ITRN 50.
• If you’ve taken ITRN 50 before, discuss options with the SLI staff team.
• The number of ITRN units corresponds to your internship hours.

15. Am I limited to the designated internship hours (e.g., 15–20 hours per week)?

Yes. The hours are agreed upon with partner mentors. You will not be paid for additional hours, and should not request extra work time.

16. What if the ITRN course conflicts with another class I’m taking?

The ITRN course includes only two synchronous Zoom meetings. If a schedule conflict exists, we can arrange an asynchronous section and a make-up meeting with the instructor.

FLI–SLI STEM Summer Scholarship Internship Program

Prepare to Apply

Last updated: March 14, 2025

There are actions you can take before the FLI–SLI STEM Scholarship Internship application is ready:

• Apply for financial aid.
• Fill out the General Scholarship Application on Academic Works.
• Other activities to get ready for the supplementary application:
  • Put together your resume.
  • Find a teacher or staff member to be your reference (a letter is not required — just name and contact information).
  • Download your unofficial transcript.

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Apply for Financial Aid

Demonstrated financial need is an important criterion for the FLI–SLI STEM Scholarship Internship. The easiest way for us to determine this is by reviewing your financial aid package from the FAFSA or California Dream Act (if you’re undocumented). If you haven’t filled out these applications, do it now!

1. Go to the Foothill Financial Aid website for guidance on these forms.
2. Talk to a Financial Aid counselor if you need help.
3. Apply to Foothill College.

If you are an international student, you are not eligible for federal or state aid through FAFSA or CADAA. Instead, prepare a brief statement about your financial need to include in your supplementary application.

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Fill Out the General Scholarship Application

While you wait for the FLI–SLI STEM Summer Scholarship Internship application to be ready, follow these steps:

1. Watch the short video under “How to Apply” on the Scholarships webpage on the Foothill website. It provides an overview of applying for scholarships.
2. Go to the Academic Works app through MyPortal:
   • Log into MyPortal using your CWID and password.
   • Find the Academic Works app tile in your Apps section.
   • Log in to the app.
3. Fill out the general scholarship application:
   • Provide information about yourself, your educational history, and leadership or community experience.
   • The "My Story" essay is very important:
     • Be sure to address all aspects of the prompt:
     • Be specific about your academic and career goals.
     • Explain how you plan to reach those goals.
     • Discuss any obstacles you have overcome.
     • Describe any specific financial needs you have.
     • Share what makes you unique and deserving of a scholarship.
     • If your essay is too short or incomplete, your application will not be competitive.
     • Write your essay in Word or Google Docs first so you can reuse it for future applications.
     • You may use AI to brainstorm, but do not use AI to fully write your answers. We want to hear your authentic voice.
4. Click “Finish and Submit” when done. You may save and edit as you go.
5. After completing the general application, look for the appropriate FLI–SLI STEM Scholarship Internship program application in Academic Works:
   • Summer applications are usually available in early March. If you can’t find it, it’s not open yet.
   • When it becomes available, click Apply.
   • Read all the instructions carefully.
   • Answer the supplementary questions.
   • Click “Finish and Submit” when done.

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Get Ready for the Supplementary Application

While you wait for the internship application to open, prepare the following items:

1. Put Together Your Resume

   This is required for the supplementary application. Upload it to the portal. If you already have one, update it. If not, visit Canvas Shell → SLI Resources → The Resume Guide for tips and templates.

2. Ask a Teacher or Staff Member to be a Reference

   A recommendation letter is not required. You’ll just need their name, title, and email address.

3. Download Your Unofficial Transcript

   1. Log into MyPortal.
   2. Click the Student Registration app.
   3. Under “My Records,” click View My Unofficial Transcript.
   4. Select “All Levels” and “Foothill Unofficial,” then click Submit.
   5. Press Ctrl+P (Windows) or ⌘+P (Mac).
   6. Under “Destination,” select Save as PDF.

4. Prepare Your Financial Need Statement

   If you have not filled out the FAFSA or CA Dream Act, write a short paragraph explaining your financial need. This helps the committee understand your circumstances and prioritize applicants with demonstrated need.

5. Read Through the Mentor and Project Catalog (if available)

   You can select up to five projects of interest. When reviewing the catalog:

   • Choose topics that genuinely interest you, even if you don’t understand every detail.
   • Check that you meet the required skills — if you’re close, still apply.
   • Ensure the project’s modality (in-person, hybrid, remote) works for you.

   Once you’ve selected projects, draft an interest paragraph for each:

   • Why you are interested in the project.
   • How you meet the required qualifications.
   • How the project supports your academic or career goals.

   Each mentor will only see your paragraph for their specific project, so some overlap is fine.

The Foothill Workforce Development department provides resources and hosts the ITRN (internship) course that is required for most SLI internships. Check out their webpage for more information.

Foothill Handshake

Handshake is an online platform for finding jobs, internships, and other career development opportunities. Foothill has its own Handshake environment where you can create a student profile and connect with employers and peers.

Handshake app

Need updated link on new website.

Activate your account now!

1. Go to MyPortal.
2. Find and open the Handshake app.
3. Log in. If you have not yet set up an account, you will be prompted to do so. After setup, allow up to one business day for administrator approval.

Foothill Gladeo

Gladeo is a career-exploration and development platform that helps you discover different professional paths. Foothill’s customized Gladeo platform allows you to:

• Take a career quiz to explore your strengths and interests.
• Watch videos featuring Foothill students in various fields and careers.
• Explore interactive career maps and related opportunities.

Start exploring at Gladeo.org.

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For Potential Host Partners

We are always seeking more work-based learning opportunities for our students. If you represent a company, organization, or institution interested in hosting Foothill College interns, please contact us to discuss partnership opportunities .