TL;DR
Looking for an astrophysics winter program to explore space science beyond your regular classes? These 15 programs range from advanced astronomy and astrophysics courses to aerospace programs, research opportunities, and projects using real astronomical data. Some are completely free or online, while others offer college-level coursework, hands-on projects, or access to research institutions. If you want a more independent research experience, Horizon Academic Research Program lets you work one-on-one with a professor or PhD mentor on your own research question and develop a college-level research paper.
If you don’t want to spend your winter months doing random activities, a winter program can be a good way to use that time to explore something you’re actually interested in. If astrophysics interests you, a winter program allows you to work with things like astronomical data, orbital mechanics, space missions, cosmic rays, and advanced physics. The 15 programs below are hosted by universities, museums, research organizations, and other institutions, with options ranging from online coursework and college-level classes to hands-on research and aerospace projects. If you’re still exploring STEM more broadly, you can also check out our blog on Winter STEM Programs for High School Students.
What do you actually do in an astrophysics winter program?
Astrophysics programs can look very different depending on the format.
You might:
- Study stars, galaxies, black holes, or planetary systems
- Work with astronomical datasets and scientific software
- Explore orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems
- Learn programming or computational methods
- Analyze telescope or satellite data
- Build or test aerospace designs
- Participate in astronomy or citizen-science projects
- Work with researchers on an independent project
- Complete college-level physics or astronomy coursework
- Present your findings or research project
The key difference is how much of the experience involves actually doing science rather than simply learning about it. If you’re interested in research more broadly, you can also explore our STEM research programs for high school students.
Which astrophysics winter program is right for you?
The right program depends on what you actually want to do. Whether you’re looking for online coursework, real research experience, aerospace projects, or a free option, this quick breakdown can help you narrow it down.
| If you want | Programs to consider |
| A fully online experience | Johns Hopkins CTY Online Programs; Northwestern CTD Online Honors Program; Horizon Academic Research Program |
| A free program | NASA High School Aerospace Scholars; VASTS; Washington Aerospace Scholars; IASC Campaigns; HiSPARC |
| College-level astronomy or astrophysics | Columbia University Science Honors Program; Dartmouth College Community High School Program; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Dual Enrollment |
| Aerospace and spaceflight | NASA High School Aerospace Scholars; VASTS; Washington Aerospace Scholars |
| Real astronomical data or research | AMNH Science Research Mentoring Program; IASC Campaigns; HiSPARC |
| A research experience | Horizon Academic Research Program; AMNH Science Research Mentoring Program |
How much do astrophysics winter programs cost?
The programs on this list range from completely free opportunities to college-level courses costing several thousand dollars. Free options include NASA High School Aerospace Scholars, VASTS, Washington Aerospace Scholars, and IASC Campaigns. Some paid programs also offer financial aid, scholarships, or other forms of support.
The format makes a difference too. Online courses can avoid housing and travel costs, while residential programs may include additional expenses for accommodation, meals, transportation, or materials. Before applying, check whether the listed price covers everything you need. A low tuition price does not necessarily mean the total cost of attending will be low.
How to choose an astrophysics winter program
| If you want | Programs to consider | What you’ll do |
| Research experience | Horizon Academic Research Program; AMNH Science Research Mentoring Program | Work on a research project with a mentor, analyze scientific information, and develop a final research project or presentation. |
| To work with real astronomical data | International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC); HiSPARC | Analyze telescope or cosmic-ray data and contribute to real scientific research. |
| College-level astrophysics or astronomy | Columbia University Science Honors Program; Dartmouth College Community High School Program | Take advanced astronomy or science courses and work through college-level material. |
| Aerospace and space missions | NASA High School Aerospace Scholars; Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS); Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) | Explore spacecraft, mission design, aerospace engineering, and the systems used in spaceflight. |
| An online program | Johns Hopkins CTY Online Programs; Northwestern CTD Online Honors Program; Horizon Academic Research Program | Study advanced STEM topics or conduct research without travelling to a university or research center. |
| A free program | NASA High School Aerospace Scholars; VASTS; IASC Campaigns; HiSPARC | Explore aerospace, astronomy, or particle physics without program tuition. |
| Hands-on space or STEM activities | Space Center U Camps; NASA High School Aerospace Scholars | Work through space-related engineering, technology, design, and problem-solving activities. |
| College credit | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Dual Enrollment; Dartmouth College Community High School Program; University of Illinois ASTR 150 | Take college-level coursework while still in high school and, where offered, earn college credit. |
The right program depends on what you want to get out of the experience. If you’re more interested in the research side of astrophysics, our guide to Research Programs for Complete Beginners is another useful place to explore your options. But if you specifically want to study astronomy, astrophysics, or space science this winter, the programs below are worth looking at.
1. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)
Location: Virtual, with a residential option in Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: High for Online Course (Phase 1); competitive for Summer Experience
Dates: Year-long
Application Deadline: September 27
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens and Texas residents
NASA High School Aerospace Scholars is a year-long program focused on space exploration engineering. You work through online modules covering propulsion, orbital motion, and payload design while using physics and algebra to solve mission-style problems. Students who perform well in the online phase can be selected for the summer experience and work with mentors on a final design challenge.
Who is it right for? Students who want to explore aerospace engineering and space missions through structured online coursework.
2. AMNH Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York
Cost: Free. A $2,500 stipend is provided upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very competitive
Dates: Academic year, August–June
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 10–11 who meet the program’s coursework or partner-school requirements
The Science Research Mentoring Program gives you the chance to work on real scientific projects alongside museum scientists. You spend about four hours each week learning how research works, including using programming languages such as Python and R. You can work with real data related to stars, brown dwarfs, space measurements, and other scientific topics. During the winter, the focus shifts toward analysis and preparing your final research presentation.
Who is it right for? Students who want sustained research experience with scientists and real astronomical data.
3. Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $900 per year for incoming students ($450 per semester), and $700 per year for returning students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; requires a two-hour entrance examination.
Dates: Every Saturday from September–May
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades (who apply during 9th, 10th, or 11th grade) attending schools in NY, NJ, or CT within a 75-mile radius.
The Science Honors Program offers college-level science courses during the academic year. Astronomy and astrophysics options can cover subjects such as celestial mechanics, stellar structure, and the physics of the early universe. You work through challenging problem sets that require you to apply mathematics and physics rather than simply memorize concepts. The format makes it closer to an advanced university course than a typical enrichment program.
Who is it right for? Students who want rigorous, college-level science coursework before entering university.
4. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: November–May
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: Virginia high school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.7
VASTS introduces you to aerospace engineering and mission design through coursework connected to NASA Langley Research Center. You work through modules covering systems involved in human spaceflight. Topics include entry, descent, and landing, along with calculations involving launch windows, fuel requirements, and spacecraft power budgets. Students who perform well during the winter phase can also be selected for the residential summer academy at NASA Langley.
Who is it right for? Students in Virginia who want a free, aerospace-focused program with a NASA connection.
5. Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS)
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 50% of Phase 1 participants advance to Phase 2 summer residency
Dates: November–March
Application Deadline: October 13
Eligibility: Washington state high school juniors
Washington Aerospace Scholars focuses on how space missions are designed from an engineering perspective. You complete eight self-paced lessons covering aerospace concepts through mathematical problems and hands-on lab work. The program explores how different engineering systems work together during spaceflight. Participants whose final projects are selected can move on to a six-day summer residency at the Museum of Flight.
Who is it right for? Students who want to explore aerospace engineering through online coursework and a potential in-person summer experience.
6. Johns Hopkins CTY Online Programs
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by course and length
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; most courses require students to establish CTY eligibility
Dates: Offered across the year
Application Deadline: Varies by term and course
Eligibility: Students under 19 who are enrolled in high school; most courses require CTY eligibility
Johns Hopkins CTY offers online courses that let you explore advanced physics and astrophysics at your own pace. Topics can include stellar fusion, black holes, and relativity, supported by mathematical problem-solving. Some courses also use simulations and astronomical data to help you explore concepts such as spacetime and exoplanet observations.
Who is it right for? Students who already have a strong STEM foundation and want deeper online coursework.
7. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Dual Enrollment
Location: Online
Cost: $250 per credit hour, with most courses being 3–4 credit hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; admission requires an unweighted high school GPA of at least 2.75
Dates: Offered year-round; online courses are typically offered in nine-week terms
Application Deadline: Varies by term
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 or equivalent with an unweighted GPA of at least 2.75; 9th graders are reviewed case-by-case
Embry-Riddle’s dual enrollment program lets you take college-level aerospace courses while still in high school. Depending on the course, you can study aerospace safety, spaceflight, avionics, flight systems, and related technical subjects. You’ll work with concepts such as lift, drag, propulsion, orbital mechanics, and satellite systems, giving you an early look at university-level aerospace education.
Who is it right for? Students who want college-level aerospace coursework while still in high school.
8. Northwestern Center for Talent Development (CTD) – Online Honors Program
Location: Online
Cost: $835 for 1-credit courses; $1,425 for 2-credit courses
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; students must meet CTD’s eligibility requirements
Dates: September 9 – January 13 for 1-credit courses; September 9 –May 19 for 2-credit courses
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment; September 17 is the last complete application submission date for late starts
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12 who meet CTD’s eligibility requirements through qualifying test scores, an admission portfolio, or other accepted criteria
Northwestern CTD’s Online Honors courses let academically talented students take rigorous, credit-bearing high school courses online at their own pace. Courses cover subjects across areas such as language arts, humanities, STEM, and other advanced academic fields, with instructor feedback and the opportunity to earn high school credit through CTD.
Who is it right for? Students who want advanced, structured online coursework in physics and aerospace concepts.
9. International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) Campaigns
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Monthly campaigns, typically lasting one month
Application Deadline: Varies by campaign; participants register for a campaign from the published schedule
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 and up can participate through school or community teams
IASC lets you participate in asteroid searches using real telescope data. You work with image sets from the Pan-STARRS project and use Astrometrica to identify moving objects. You’ll practice astrometry by measuring object positions and distinguishing potential asteroids from background noise. Your findings can be submitted to the Minor Planet Center.
Who is it right for? Students who want a free way to work with real astronomical data and participate in citizen science.
10. Space Center Houston “Space Center U” Camps
Location: Space Center Houston, Houston, TX
Cost: Varies by program; ranges from $439.95 for 3-day programs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 30–40 students
Dates: Vary by program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 11–18; programs are divided into ages 11–14 and 15–18
Space Center U offers hands-on STEM experiences inspired by NASA missions. You can work through challenges involving rocketry, robotics, mission planning, technology, and space exploration. Different camp formats are available, including shorter three-day sessions and longer experiences. Activities focus on teamwork, engineering, and problem-solving.
Who is it right for? Students who want a hands-on space experience rather than a traditional academic course.
11. AMNH Science Alliance High School Program
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Cost: $1,000 per course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions during the school year; individual course dates vary
Application Deadline: Registration dates vary by session
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 in New York City
The Science Alliance High School Program offers courses that meet twice a week during the academic year. Its astrophysics curriculum can cover topics such as spectroscopy, stellar classification, and exoplanet detection. You can combine classroom learning with laboratory and exhibition-based activities while using the American Museum of Natural History’s scientific resources.
Who is it right for? Students who want a structured astrophysics course with access to a major natural history museum.
12. Dartmouth College Community High School Program
Location: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Cost: Tuition-free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Fall, winter, and spring terms for seniors; winter and spring terms for juniors
Application Deadline: Varies by term; specific registration periods are published by Dartmouth
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors attending an area high school within 50 miles of Dartmouth College
Dartmouth’s Community High School Program allows eligible local high school students to enroll in full-credit Dartmouth courses during the academic year. You can take courses such as introductory astronomy or stars and galaxies and complete work under the same academic standards as Dartmouth undergraduates.
Who is it right for? Students near Dartmouth who want to experience a genuine college astronomy course before graduation.
13. Case Western Reserve University Pre-College Astrophysics
Location: Online
Cost: $1,595 per course; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions offered year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by selected session
Eligibility: Students ages 13+ who are currently enrolled in high school or a U.S.-high-school equivalent, or who graduated within the past year
The Case Western Reserve University pre-college course Astrophysics and Evolutionary Biology: The Origins of Life connects astrophysics with questions about how life could emerge and evolve. You’ll explore stellar lifecycles, planets, and the chemistry behind the origins of life through virtual lessons and one-on-one mentorship. A final project gives you a chance to apply what you learned.
Who is it right for? Students who want to explore astrophysics alongside questions about the origins of life.
14. HiSPARC (High School Project on Astrophysics Research with Cosmics)
Location: Participating high schools and academic institutions
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Ongoing; HiSPARC operates as a research network rather than a fixed seasonal program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students and teachers at participating schools
HiSPARC (High School Project on Astrophysics Research with Cosmics) is a network that enables high schools and academic institutions to study cosmic rays using ground-based detectors. You’ll work with cosmic-ray data and can develop skills in physics, programming, and data analysis as part of a school-based research experience. The University of Utah currently hosts and maintains the HiSPARC digital infrastructure and data.
Who is it right for? Students at participating high schools who want hands-on experience collecting and analyzing cosmic-ray data as part of a physics research project.
15. University of Illinois Dual Credit Astronomy Course (ASTR 150)
Location: Select high schools in Illinois
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by participating school
Dates: Various sessions throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by school; contact your high school counselor
Eligibility: Illinois high school sophomores and juniors
The University of Illinois’ dual-credit ASTR 150 course explores extreme astronomical events and the physics behind them. You can study asteroid impacts, supernovae, solar activity, black holes, and the eventual evolution of the Sun. The course is taught in participating high schools but follows university-level material. You can earn dual credit while building analytical and problem-solving skills.
Who is it right for? Illinois high school sophomores and juniors who want university-level astronomy coursework and dual credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. The requirements vary widely. Some programs are designed for students looking for an introduction to the subject, while others expect stronger academic preparation or require specific testing. For example, Columbia’s Science Honors Program requires an entrance examination, while other programs on this list have broader eligibility requirements.
Yes. Several programs on this list are fully online, including Johns Hopkins CTY, Northwestern CTD, VASTS, and Washington Aerospace Scholars. If your goal is independent research rather than coursework, Horizon Academic Research Program is another online option to consider.
Several do. AMNH SRMP involves research with scientific datasets, while IASC lets you analyze telescope images for asteroid searches. HiSPARC is another research-oriented option where you work with real cosmic-ray detector data.
Yes. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars, VASTS, Washington Aerospace Scholars, IASC, and HiSPARC are free options included in this list. Some paid programs may also provide financial aid, so it is worth checking the funding information before ruling one out.
Astrophysics focuses on understanding astronomical objects and phenomena using physics. Aerospace programs are generally more focused on aircraft, spacecraft, engineering, and mission design. There can be overlap. For example, NASA High School Aerospace Scholars and VASTS use physics and space science but are more strongly oriented toward aerospace engineering and space missions.
Yes. A good program can give you a much clearer picture of what the subject involves. You may discover that you enjoy mathematical modeling, programming, data analysis, laboratory work, or research more than you expected. That can help you make a more informed decision about whether astrophysics, physics, astronomy, aerospace engineering, or another STEM field fits your interests.
Look for a program where you can develop your own research question and work closely with a mentor rather than simply following a fixed curriculum. Horizon Academic Research Program is designed around this kind of experience. You work with a professor or PhD mentor, develop your research project, and work toward a college-level research paper.
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If the programs above are too specialized, location-specific, or focused on coursework, Horizon offers another route: independent research with a professor or PhD mentor, fully online. Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs give you the chance to choose a research area, develop your own question, conduct your research, and produce a college-level research paper with guidance from a mentor. Programs run throughout the year, so you can start outside the traditional summer research cycle.
Image source: Dartmouth