PSI is dedicated to educating and training students to become future scientists. Since the early 1970's, PSI has been hosting undergraduate research interns from a variety of sponsoring programs including NASA, higher educational institutions, and public/private organizations. Currently, a significant number of interns at PSI come from two NASA-sponsored programs, the NASA Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant) and the NASA Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program (PGGURP).

NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program and their 50 associated state chapters offer paid internships and fellowships for qualifying undergraduate and graduate students. The internships offer an excellent opportunity for students to gain research work experience that can also help develop professional/career interests or aid in developing an understanding of scientific work. The University of Arizona administrates the UA/NASA Space Grant Program and matches qualified undergraduates to mentors at the University, PSI, and other established partners.

The Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program was developed by NASA to provide undergraduates the opportunity to participate in and learn from research in the planetary geosciences. The aims of the program include: to provide incentive for the development of future planetary geoscientists; to broaden the base of participation of students in planetary geosciences; to introduce qualified students in traditional geoscience disciplines to planetary studies; and to educate students about the interrelationship between science objectives, data sets, and instrument requirements.