NASA DEVELOP Program Application

DEVELOP National Program
Guidelines for Application
Who is Eligible to Apply to DEVELOP?
Individuals pursuing to further their experience in the Earth sciences and remote sensing,
including currently enrolled students, recent graduates with an undergraduate or graduate
degree, and early/transitioning career professionals.
General Eligibility Requirements:
 At least 18 years of age
 Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (at current or last institute of higher learning)
 Ability to provide personal transportation to and from the DEVELOP location
 Strong interest in Earth science and remote sensing
 U.S. citizenship is required to apply to DEVELOP locations at NASA Centers
In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirements stated above, each applicant must
meet the additional requirements specific to their applicant classification:
 Currently Enrolled Students – Students who are currently enrolled at a U.S. accredited
community college, undergraduate or graduate college or university. Open to all majors.
o Evidence of enrollment at an accredited U.S. school (acceptance letter or current
unofficial transcripts)
o Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (cumulative or most recent)


Recent Graduates – Individuals who have graduated with an undergraduate or
graduate degree from a U.S. accredited college or university within the past two years.
o Evidence of successful graduation from a college or university (diploma or
transcript showing graduation)
o Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale at last institution of higher learning
o Eligible within two years after graduation to apply for up to four terms with
DEVELOP (which includes time spent serving in the DEVELOP Young
Professionals Class)



Early/Transitioning Career Professionals – Individuals transitioning to a new career
field, who are pursuing further experience in the Earth sciences and remote sensing
(including transitioning/recently transitioned veterans from the U.S. Armed Forces).
o At least two years of work experience in a professional environment
o Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale from last institution of education
o Eligible within two years after leaving previous career/service to apply for up to
four terms with DEVELOP (which includes time spent serving in the DEVELOP
Young Professionals Class). U.S. Veterans must provide evidence of service and
release/discharge - DD Form 214.

Which Application Should I Fill Out?


New Candidate Application – new applicant who has never been accepted for a
DEVELOP opportunity before



Previous Candidate Application – applicant who has previously participated in the
DEVELOP Program

1

DEVELOP National Program
To submit your online application you must complete the following:
1. Application form
2. Formal resume (Uploaded)
3. Unofficial academic transcripts, including the term before the one to which you are
applying. *Note: If selected, you will be required to submit an official transcript for
verification. (Uploaded)
4. At least two names of recommenders and their contact information for two letters of
recommendation (New Candidate Application Only)
*Note: Once your two letters of recommendation have been received by the
DEVELOP National Program Office by email, your status will be updated from
“Submitted” to “Completed.”
Please complete the application thoroughly. Although providing the information requested is
voluntary, failure to provide complete answers may affect the review and consideration of your
application.
The following websites are fundamental to understanding DEVELOP and its goals:
NASA Science Mission Directorate: http://science.nasa.gov
NASA Earth Science Division:
http://science.nasa.gov/earth-science
NASA Applied Sciences Program: http://appliedsciences.nasa.gov
DEVELOP National Program:
http://develop.larc.nasa.gov
Letters of Recommendation (New Candidate Application Only)
Two letters of recommendation are required: one from an academic source, the other preferably
from a previous employer or mentor; if necessary, a second letter from an academic source is
acceptable. Applicants will list the names and email addresses of at least two recommenders.
Once the applicant submits their application, the recommenders will be emailed to request the
letter and provide instructions for writing and submitting the letter. Then, recommenders will
submit their letters directly to the DEVELOP National Program Office via email. Letters of
recommendation should focus on the applicant’s:









Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Critical thinking skills
Dedication/commitment to completing work
Creativity
Motivation for excellence
Professionalism
Ability, flexibility, and interest in learning new concepts and ideas
Leadership abilities

2

DEVELOP National Program
Selection Process
The DEVELOP National Program is designed to provide selected participants with an
opportunity to perform meaningful research under the guidance of mentors who are
accomplished professional research staff. If selected, you will not be an employee of
NASA or a company, but an independent researcher working under a contract
relationship.
Applications will be reviewed by the National Program Office, as well as the location(s)
the applicant selected.
If selected for an interview, applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview day and
time. Interviews will be conducted in person (when possible) or over the phone (if the
applicant is not local). Interviews will be conducted by one or more members from the
DEVELOP Program and may include mentors and center or project leads.
After the selection process is complete, each applicant will receive notification regarding
the outcome of the selection decision.
Please check the “Apply” and “Questions?” pages on the DEVELOP website
(http://develop.larc.nasa.gov) for additional information regarding the application
process. You may also contact us directly if your question is not answered: NASA-DLDEVELOP@mail.nasa.gov or (757) 864-3761.

3