Middle School Science Teachers (NIST Summer Institute)

The NIST Summer Institute is a two-week workshop for middle school science teachers. As a participant, you’ll gain new knowledge of science, a network of NIST researchers to consult with, and materials you can implement in your curriculum. 

We offer an in-person option in Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

NIST Summer Institute includes:  

• Hands-on activities
• Lectures 
• Tours
• Visits with NIST scientists and engineers in the lab

Eligibility 

To participate in this program, you must be: 

• A middle school science (earth science, physical science, chemistry, physics, and/or biology) teacher in a public school or accredited private school in the U.S. or its territories 
• A U.S. citizen 
• Available for two full weeks (10 workdays, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time, June 30 - July 11, 2025). 
• Planning to continue teaching middle school science next school year 
• Able to be paid through direct deposit 

What You’ll Get 

• The opportunity to engage with our scientists 
• Increased knowledge about the latest scientific findings
• Tips on building pre-teen excitement for math and science 
• A $2,700 stipend and a $2,700 travel and housing allowance (in-person participants only)

Learn more about how we developed this program.  

Application Process

The program will run from  June 30 - July 11, 2025.

The deadline to apply for summer 2025 is April 7, 2025. 

1. Complete your application on USAJobs and respond to all questions. 
2. Upload your resume in USAJobs and a reference letter written on school letterhead, signed by your principal, that states: 

• That you are a middle school science teacher at that school
• That you are scheduled to teach middle school next school year 

Stories from our Participants 

• I’m Helping My Garden Vegetables — and My Students — Bloom Where They Are Planted

Questions

summerin [at] nist.gov (summerin[at]nist[dot]gov)