The TSP was designed to provide opportunities for first-generation, low-income college and graduate school students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields (race/ethnicity, gender/gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, and more).
No, you do not. Keep in mind that TERC is a nonprofit R&D organization focused on STEM education research, not STEM. This is not the same type of research experience as working in a laboratory or clinic. Having a background in a STEM discipline can help, but it does not grant an advantage in the application process. In fact, about 40% of our interns to date are pursuing or have pursued non-STEM majors including political science, education, social work, youth advocacy, and economics. We believe that the best research comes from diverse, unique perspectives. We welcome applicants from all educational backgrounds and interests.
Yes. Interns are paid based upon previous research experience, and this amount is discussed with the Principal Investigator, Department of Human Resources, and the TSP Directors to ensure fairness and equality. Employee benefits are determined through the Department of Human Resources and are discussed during the welcome orientation.
On average, the internship lasts 8-10 weeks. The TSP operates for a minimum of 6 weeks, but scholars may be extended on projects for longer periods. To date, every intern has remained on a project longer than the 8-week designation. The longest tenure was over 2 years.
Interns also have the opportunity to switch or work on multiple projects, which extends the time they work at TERC.
Your potential work schedule is discussed/organized with your advisor.
TERC has rolling admissions, so applications are always open to review and to be placed on file. Because TERC is grant-funded, Principal Investigators on projects are consistently writing proposals with opportunities to fund interns. If and when funding becomes available for a particular project, the TSP Directors will gather a project description and request for an intern to disseminate to its collegiate partners. If interested, candidates should read the project description and complete the brief application and submit ASAP.
Currently applications are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis until a suitable fit for the project and intern is found. Typically, internship coordinators at undergraduate and graduate institutions will set an internal date to receive applications and these will all be sent to TERC at one time. Principal Investigators will review applications and arrange in-person interviews (or via video conference) with select candidates. Candidates are notified within a week of their interview regarding a decision.
- Peer/Cohort Support
- Professional Development Seminars
- Exposure to Academic Talks/Lectures
- Post-Graduate & Career Advising
- Oral & Written Presentation Practice
- Research Methods Training (Interviewing, Data Coding, Ethnography, Case Study Development, Instrument Testing)
- Project Independence
- Opportunities to Publish
- Presentations at National Conferences
As a TERC Scholar you report primarily to your Principle Investigator/Project Supervisor. They will mentor you throughout your tenure at TERC. You also will have regular check-in meetings with the TSP Directors to ensure that your experience is going well. TERC is a family that will support you through any concern you have while here.