The Office of NextGen offers many educational opportunities for students of all ages to gain experience in aviation science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, through the Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) outreach and internship programs. Designed to educate, encourage and inspire students to enter the vast world of aviation, each of these programs are described below.

Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) Program

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created the Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) Program in 1961 as an agency-wide initiative to promote aviation outreach. Since its establishment, the AVSED Program has allowed FAA employees throughout the agency to engage in a broad range of education outreach activities to promote careers in aviation.

The Aviation Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program at the William J. Hughes Technical Center is an extension of the AVSED Program. It focuses on outreach initiatives highlighting the unique technical work conducted at the Technical Center. The STEM Program focuses on using aviation principles to spark an interest in the four disciplines of STEM. AvSTEM outreach representatives share their passion for aviation with students from kindergarten through college. Additionally, AvSTEM engages with educators to incorporate aviation-themed lessons into the classroom. For more information about the Aviation STEM Program, contact 9-act-AvSTEM@faa.gov.

Gateways Internship Program

The Gateways Internship Program, widely used by the agency, provides students with paid opportunities to work in their chosen/prospective field either at the Technical Center or NextGen's DC-based offices. These students, who are enrolled in various educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, can gain work experience while exploring the possibilities of having a federal career. Learn more »

Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program

The Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program (MSI) provides internship opportunities throughout the United States to students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, colleges and universities with a high percentage of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and students with disabilities. Learn more »

Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups

The Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG) provides students with a paid opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and skills to complement their academic pursuits. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate tomorrow's leaders, strengthen their understanding of the transportation industry and prepare them for future public service opportunities. Learn more »