TGen Education and Outreach - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours I will be working?
The hours are flexible and depends on what schedule you agree upon with your mentor. However, you should plan on working a minimum of 20 hours/week in order to complete the program. You may not get paid for more than 40 hours/week for 8 weeks.

I have a family vacation planned that falls in the middle of the internship. Am I still eligible?
Yes. The hours and days worked are flexible and it is up to your mentor to set these times/dates. Most students start the internship after Memorial Day and finish by the first of August. A minimum of 8 weeks is required in order to complete the program.

How will I be notified?
Final notification will be by letter, so it is important to list a current mailing address that you have access to. Should an investigator want to interview you, you will be contacted by phone.

The deadline for applications is March 5th. Are the letters of recommendation also due on March 5th?
Yes! We encourage all students to complete their applications BEFORE the actual deadline ensuring that the letters of reference will be turned in by that date. However, we recognize that sometimes the letters may come in after the application and we may make exceptions on a case by case basis. The application is not considered complete until all letters of recommendation are turned in.

How much does the internship pay?
You will be paid according to the level of academic grade you have completed before summer. High school interns will start at $10/hour. Undergraduates at $12.50/hour and Graduate/Medical students at $15/hour. You may not be paid for more than 40 hours/week. All pay is subject to federal and state taxes.

Will I receive any benefits?
No. This internship is considered a part-time position and is not eligible for any employer paid benefits. Note that all students are covered under the TGen accident insurance policies.

I submitted my application online but received an error message. What did I do wrong?
Make sure that all phone numbers and dates have been entered correctly according to the format specified. If you are still receiving an error message, or have any other web related questions, please contact webmaster@tgen.org.

Will all applicants be interviewed?
Not all applicants will be interviewed. Only those applications making it through the first round by the selection committee have the potential to be interviewed. It is ultimately up to a TGen researcher as to whether an interview is scheduled.

Will I get to work in a lab that covers an area I am specifically interested in?
Every effort will be made to match you to your lab area preference; however this is not always possible.

What feedback on my application can I expect?
The Helios Scholars Program does not provide information on an individual’s performance for applicants, their families or their teachers during or after the selection process. All materials submitted by the applicant, and all materials generated during the review process (i.e., readers' and interviewers' notes) remain confidential, as do the recommendations received on the applicants' behalf.

What suggestions do you have for writing a cover letter?
Please refer to the Writing Guidelines and Tips page.

What suggestions do you have for letters of recommendation?
Please refer to the Writing Guidelines and Tips page.

If I have been a Helios Scholar before, may I apply again?
There is a two-year limit for Helios Scholars. A limited number of spots are available each summer for returning interns.

Those seeking to return and become a second-year Helios Scholar will go through a competitive process. These students are required to answer an additional question on the application. They also must identify their previous TGen mentor for the purpose of a third recommendation.