LPI | Science

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I submit a competitive internship application?
A: Tips for submitting a competitive internship application are available at https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/intern/.

Q: How many times can I participate in the SUPPR Program?
A: If selected, the applicant may only participate in the SUPPR Program once.

Q: If I participated in PGGURP, can I apply for the SUPPR Program?
A: Previous participants of PGGURP are not eligible.

Q. Is the program open to non-U.S. citizens?
A: Applicants can be either U.S. citizens or foreign nationals. However, due to the fluid situation caused by the current global pandemic, foreign national applicants should monitor U.S. travel restrictions and entry requirements.

Q. If I am a naturalized citizen, can I still apply?
A: Yes, a naturalized citizen can apply. You will need to claim when and where you were naturalized on your application and provide an original document. Failure to disclose this information could delay the badging process and could prevent access to a government facility.

Q: If I am a permanent resident, can I still apply?
A: Yes, you will need to claim your citizen status on your application and provide your original permanent resident card.

Q: If I am a DACA recipient, can I apply?
A: Yes, you will need to provide a valid and original passport and employment authorization card.

Q: If I have a parent who is a U.S. citizen, am I eligible to apply?
A: The citizenship of your parents does not classify you as a U.S. citizen.

Q: Am I eligible to apply if I already hold a bachelor's degree?
A: While we do consider applicants with bachelor's degrees conferred in the fall or spring semester preceding the summer program, they are not the program's main focus. Eligible applicants should be actively pursuing a bachelor's degree and be enrolled in a college or university the semester before the start of the internship. If you hold a bachelor's degree in a non-related field but are actively pursuing another bachelor's degree in a field relevant to this program, then you are eligible to apply.

Q: Where should my school send my official transcript?
A: Transcripts should be sent to:

SUPPR
Application #
3600 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston, TX 77058-1113

Q: Do you accept electronic transcripts?
A: Yes, electronic transcripts are accepted. All official electronic transcripts should be sent directly from the college or the college’s vendors. All electronic transcripts should be emailed to: [email protected].

Q: What does the REAL ID Act require?
A: For more information on the REAL ID Act, please visit: Department of Homeland Security.

Q: I attend a university that is not located within the United States, and I am having trouble entering my GPA. What should I do?
A: Most international universities probably do not use the U.S. university typical 4.0 GPA. You will need to ask your registrar’s office how your grading system translates into a 4.0 scale. Enter the number they provide for you in the appropriate field on the application.

Q: Can I submit my application before receiving my recommendations?
A: Yes, your application can be submitted before receiving your recommendations.

Q: Who should write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
A: We encourage you to find individuals who can illustrate your qualifications, character, and any experience that is relevant to this internship.

Q: What are your requirements for letters of recommendation?
A: The SUPPR Program requires at least two letters (3 maximum) of recommendation. Detailed instructions are included in the application. It is preferred that letters of recommendation be submitted from faculty at a student’s current institution; however, recommendations may be submitted by other relevant persons. Examples of relevant recommendations include: teaching assistants, academic advisors, faculty from an institution previously attended, professors, or employers/supervisors who can speak of your relevant experience/credentials/academic potential, etc.

Q: Can I mail in my letter of recommendation if my recommender has already written it?
A: No, we no longer accept hard copies of letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation must be attached to the application electronically.

Q: Can letter of recommendations be sent by e-mail?
A: No, recommenders must use the electronic process. A unique link to your application will be sent to the individuals you selected to submit a recommendation on your behalf. Each person writing a recommendation for you will complete the online recommendation form and submit it electronically. This is the only way to ensure that your recommendations are properly linked with your application.

Q: What should I do if my recommender does not receive the system-generated message requesting my recommendation?
A: If the system-generated email request for a recommendation is not received by recommenders, please check that their email addresses are entered correctly on the application or advise recommenders to check their email filter settings. Depending on these filter settings, the recommendation request email message might have been received into a “Trash” or “Spam” message inbox. Recommenders will receive the Recommender Request via the email [email protected] and to ensure delivery, they may also consider adding this email address to their safe recipient list.

Q: Will I be penalized if my recommendation is sent in late?
A: All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted on or before the application deadline. Recommenders must submit their letters using the online form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Q: Can I delete a recommendation and replace it with another?
A: You cannot delete a recommendation once it has been submitted through the online system.

Q: If I missed the application deadline, can I still apply?
A: No, but we encourage you to apply next year.

Q: Where will the internship be located?
A: Interns may be placed at one of these locations; however, other locations may also be considered.

Q: What is the duration of the internship program?
A: It is an 8-week program, which typically starts in June and ends in August. The start and end dates vary for each project.

Q: Am I allowed to take days off during my internship?
A: You are expected to guarantee your presence for the entire duration of your internship in order to maintain the maximum continuity in the program. However, an absence is permitted for a few valid reasons including illness and binding personal and academic commitments. If you plan to be absent for an extended period of time or for any of the aforementioned reasons, promptly notify your advisor and program coordinator.

Q: Do interns have to report stipends to the IRS?
A: It is the responsibility of interns to report their stipend earnings to the IRS. The LPI cannot offer any specific guidance on how to file taxes. Please refer to irs.gov for specific instructions.