In all seriousness, it is time to start thinking about summer internships and programs, whose deadlines are fast approaching. Internships offer a gateway into an organization and valuable experience that can open up opportunities in your field. Educational programs offer the chance to take courses outside of the standard curriculum and meet other women like you. Below is our top 8 list (in no particular order) of national programs offering internships specifically geared towards college (and some graduate) women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. A few of the programs target both women and underrepresented minorities. Please note that last year’s deadline is indicated for internships that haven't yet provided 2010 deadlines.

1. AWIS Summer Internship Program

The Association for Women in Science sponsors a 10-week paid internship for undergraduate women who are also members of underrepresented minority groups (African American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American and Pacific Islander). The internship, which is located in Washington, DC, includes mentorship, independent learning, seminars and advocacy, among other opportunities. A $3,500 stipend is provided to interns. The internshipis from May to August.

Last year’s deadline was in late March.

2. APS/IBM Research Internship for Undergraduate Women

The American Physical Society (APS) and IBM co-sponsor a research internship program for undergraduate women. This paid internship, which pays $6,000 or more, typically lasts 10 weeks and is located in San Jose, CA, Austin, TX, or Yorktown Heights, NY. Interns are provided a mentor within the company. This internship is open to undergraduate sophomore and junior women majoring in chemistry, physics, materials science or engineering, computer science or engineering, or chemical, electrical, mechanical engineering.

Application deadline: February 1, 2010

3. Summer Mathematics Program for Women Undergraduates

Carlton College in Northfield, MN, sponsors an intensive four-week program open to female mathematics students completing their freshman or sophomore years of college. This program offers courses in mathematics outside of the standard curriculum, and an opportunity to network with other female mathematicians. Students receive a $1,600 stipend, campus room and board, and a travel allowance during the four weeks of the program, which runs from June 20 to July 18.

Last year’s deadline was mid-February.

4. Summer Program For Women In Mathematics

The George Washington University in Washington, DC, sponsors a five-week research program for female mathematics majors completing their junior year. The program runs from June 26 to July 31. Participants in this program receive a travel allowance, campus room and board, and a stipend of $1,750. Students do not receive academic credits but have access to seminars by mathematicians and panel discussions on education and career issues.

Application deadline: March 1, 2010

5. AT&T Labs summer internships

AT&T sponsors interns from around the world to participate in their AT&T Research Labs summer internship program. Interns work with technical staff members on research projects for 10 weeks, ultimately presenting their work at the end of the summer. This internship targets women and underrepresented minorities (Hispanic, African-American or Native American). While this is specifically for graduate students, “advanced undergraduates” are also considered. Majors accepted are: computer science, math, statistics, electrical engineering, operations research, systems engineering, industrial engineering or related fields.

Application deadline: January 15, 2010

6. Iowa State University

Iowa State University sponsors the Program for Women in Science and Engineering, which offers an eight-week summer research internship for undergraduate women from colleges and universities across the United States. This is open to sophomore, junior and senior undergraduate women who are interested in careers in science and engineering. Women receive a $3,500 stipend, access to weekly seminars and are expected to complete research during the eight weeks. Interns are responsible for their own transportation, housing, and meals.

Application deadline: February 1, 2010

7. Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship

The Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy sponsors the Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship. This 10-week summer internship provides opportunities to women and under-represented minority students pursuing academic majors related to the Fossil Energy mission. The internship runs from May 31 to August 6, and is open to undergraduates and graduate students. Undergraduates receive a $500 weekly stipend and graduate students receive a $650 weekly stipend.

Last year’s application deadline was mid-February, but they advised Under the Microscope that candidates should consider sending in their applications by January 20, 2010.

8. The Geek Squad Academy - Women's High Tech Coalition Internship

The Geek Squad Academy - Women's High Tech Coalition Internship, sponsored by Best Buy, Geek Squad and the Women's High Tech Coalition, offers female students with an interest in public policy, science and technology the opportunity to work with a member of Congress. This paid internship is open to female undergraduate students (sophomores, juniors and seniors) who are interested in science policy.

Have you participated in any of the programs on our list? Is there an internship or program missing from our list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or tell your story about your summer internship in the Your Stories section of our site (registration and login required).

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