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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
Eligibility Questions
Application Process Questions
Project Questions
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General Questions

  • What is NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy?

    NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy is a workforce development program that immerses students and early career professionals in projects using NASA Earth observation data to address real-world challenges. Building on more than 25 years of expertise at NASA Langley Research Center, the Academy combines applied research, professional development, and collaboration with public and private partners to help participants build skills in Earth science, technology, and innovation.

  • How does NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy work?

    The Academy operates through short-term research projects offered in the spring, summer, and fall. Participants work in 4-5 person teams with partner organizations to apply NASA data to challenges in areas such as disasters, water resources, agriculture, health, and wildland fires. Depending on the project, participants will work onsite at a project location or remotely. Teams are supported by project coordinators, science advisors, and mentors while developing solutions, presenting findings, and producing final technical products. This experience helps participants prepare for the needs and demands of today’s growing geospatial workforce.

  • What does NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy look for in a participant?

    NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy seeks participants that have experience and technical skills in Earth and environmental science, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and/or coding, along with an interest in service to society through informing action. Successful participants are open-minded, interested in collaborating with others, flexible, adaptable, and eager to learn.

  • What can I expect to gain from participating?

    NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy is a unique opportunity and each participant benefits differently. Generally, participants can expect to enhance their personal and professional development with skills in science communication, technical writing, poster and oral presentation design, research, collaboration, technical capabilities, and networking, to name a few.

  • May I take leave during the term?

    NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy participants are expected to be present for the entire duration of the term. Participants not available for the full term may not be accepted due to the fast-paced nature and project requirements.

  • Can I receive academic credit for my project?

    Some universities may offer academic credit for participation in the NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy. Prior to the start of the term, participants interested in pursuing academic credit can outline and communicate any school requirements to their project coordinator for consideration. It is the student's responsibility to coordinate with their school, meet deadlines, and ensure all paperwork is completed to fulfill the requirements. 

  • How much will I be paid?

    NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy participants are employed as part-time temporary contract employees through Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. (AMA). Hourly rates are provided by the NASA Langley EarthRISE Office and are determined by education level, applicant classification, and locality. For inquiries regarding hourly pay rates, please email NASA-DL-ERDA@mail.nasa.gov stating your current education level, applicant classification, and location(s) to which you would apply for rate information. If applying for virtual opportunities, please include the city and state from which you would telework. 

  • Are housing or living expenses covered?

    No, on-site participants are responsible for their own housing, living expenses, and transportation to and from their NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy location. Hourly pay rates include a locality adjustment to help participants cover their local costs.

Eligibility Questions

  • What kind of experience is required?

    The Academy accepts interdisciplinary participants with different proficiency levels and skills in technical and scientific knowledge areas including, but not limited to, Earth and environmental sciences, geography, computer science, coding, remote sensing and GIS. Successful participants also have an eagerness to learn and interest in sharing their knowledge with their project team.

  • Do I need to be on-site at a location to work with NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy?

    Participants selected for an in-person opportunity will be required to work on-site at their selected location for the duration of the term. NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy also offers virtual projects, which provide an opportunity for participants to work remotely. Participants for both in-person and virtual opportunities are required to work from within the 50 United States or Washington, D.C. for the duration of the term. Virtual participants are not authorized to work remotely from U.S. territories or international locations.

    You may identify your preferred work location(s) during the application process. Refer to the Logistics and Projects Page to see where projects will be offered.

  • What are the GPA requirements?

    To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. This requirement can be met through a cumulative or most recent semester GPA.

  • What is the time commitment required during the term?

    NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy participants are expected to commit 25-29 hours per week (Monday - Thursday) throughout the term. Scheduling is coordinated based on the location’s office hours (between 8am – 5pm) and the participant’s availability.

  • Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?

    You must be a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization) or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) to apply to NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy.

  • Do I need to re-apply to work an additional term?

    Yes, all applicants interested in being considered for another term must re-apply. There is no limit on the number of terms a participant can re-apply, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

Application Process Questions

  • Do I need to fill out the entire application in one sitting?

    Applicants may save their application as a draft, exit the site, and return later to continue working on it. To return to your draft application, you will use the login information you initially created in the application portal to log back in. Applicants should save after each section to avoid losing progress. It is also suggested to compose short essay responses on a separate document, and then copy and paste into the form.

  • Which applicant classification should I select?

    Your applicant classification should reflect your status as of the start of the term you are applying for. If you will be currently enrolled in school, select “Currently Enrolled Student.” If you graduated within the past two years, select “Recent Graduate.” If you graduated more than two years ago and have been working for at least two years in a professional environment, select “Early/Transitioning Career Professional.”

  • What is the process for recommenders to submit their responses?

    Applicants will list the names and email addresses of at least two recommenders. Once the applicant saves the recommendation section, an email will automatically be sent to the recommenders with a link to an online recommendation form for them to fill out about the applicant. Then, the recommendation form will be electronically submitted and attached to the candidate’s application.

  • When are recommendation forms due?

    Recommenders must submit the online recommendation form no later than two weeks after the application window closes. The deadline is included in the email sent to the recommenders and is posted on the Application Guide Page.

  • How do I know if my recommendation forms were submitted?

    An applicant can confirm submission of their recommendation forms by logging back into the applicant portal, viewing the recommendation section, and checking the status of the recommendation forms.

  • How can I change one of my recommenders?

    If one of your recommenders is unable to complete a recommendation form on your behalf, you may log back into the applicant portal, open the recommendation section of your application, and edit your recommenders. You can delete a recommender and add a new one (maximum of five), or you can send a reminder to the recommender. Reminder emails can only be sent once every 24 hours. The recommendation section can be edited up until the recommendation form deadline (two weeks after the application deadline).

  • How do I submit my application?

    All applicants must complete the profile, eligibility questions, application form, short essay questions, and recommendation sections. The voluntary information section is optional. Once all required sections are complete, the applicant must select the green “Submit” button. Once the application is successfully submitted, you will only be able to view your application; you will no longer be able to edit it. An email confirming your submission will be sent to the user’s email address provided in their profile.

  • What time does the application window close?

    The online application will close at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the last day of the window noted on the Application Guide Page. Once the application window deadline has passed, applications will not be accepted. There are no exceptions to this requirement. 

  • I submitted my application, now what?

    Following the application window deadline, all submitted applications are reviewed. Due to the highly competitive nature of NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy, not all applicants are selected for interviews. If selected for an interview, you will be contacted by email to schedule an interview. Interviews typically will be conducted virtually through Microsoft Teams. When selections are made, applicants will be notified of their selection status by email. This process is done on a rolling basis, so while a tentative timeline will be communicated to applicants, it can vary.

Project Questions

  • What will I work on?

    The NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy experience is focused on both conducting and communicating an applied Earth science research project. Participants should expect to spend their time engaged in literature review on the scope, methodologies, and types of NASA remote-sensing data applicable to their project. They will utilize geographic information systems and remote sensing data to conduct application projects. Teams will communicate with partner organizations that can benefit from the methodologies, results, and enhanced decision-making tools created by the team.

    A substantial amount of time is spent on the creation of professional deliverables, including a poster, presentation, and technical report, as the program puts an emphasis on building capacity to communicate project results to a variety of audiences. Participants also partake in personal development activities like personality typing, team building exercises, as well as networking with their team, advisors, and partner organizations.

  • How long do projects last?

    NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy offers multiple short-term project terms per year: spring, summer, and fall. Each terms ranges between 10 and 14 weeks long. Typically, the spring term is January – April, the summer term is June – August, and the fall term is September – November.

  • Who will I work on these projects with?

    Participants are placed on interdisciplinary teams ranging in size from 4 to 5 participants. The team works under the guidance of a project coordinator, science advisor, and mentor, as well as support from the NASA Langley EarthRISE Office.

  • What research areas do the projects cover?

    Participants conduct predetermined projects that fall within at least one of the following NASA Earth Action thematic areas: Agriculture, Disasters, Ecological Conservation, Energy & Infrastructure, Health & Air Quality, Water Resources, and Wildland Fires.