If the stars, planets, and mysteries of the universe excite you, you’re in the right place! We’ve created a list of great astronomy summer programs to let you explore space science, use advanced tools, and learn from experts.
High school science classes often focus on theory, leaving little room for practical astrophysics. These programs step in to provide hands-on experience, teaching you stargazing, data analysis, and other skills through engaging real-world projects.
If you’re ready to explore the cosmos, check out these 10 astronomy summer programs for high school students.
10 Astronomy Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP) – Astronomy Track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, astronomy, political theory, biology, and more!
If you’re interested in astronomy, Horizon offers three research opportunities:
- ML in Astronomy: Simulation of CMB – Simulate the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) to study the early universe and its origins.
- ML in Astronomy: Galaxy Spectra Analysis – Use Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data to analyze galaxy spectra and explore how galaxies form and evolve.
- ML in Astronomy: Exoplanet Light Curves – Study exoplanet light curves with Kepler data to understand distant planetary systems.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Deadlines: Spring 2025: February 16, 2025; Summer 2025: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring 2025: March 3, 2025; Summer 2025: June 16, 2025! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
2. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)
Cost: Free (students cover travel expenses to NASA centers)
Location: Online course and in-person week at a NASA center
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: Online course from November 2025 to February 2026; summer experience in June/July 2026
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors
If you are a high school junior passionate about aerospace and astronomy, NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) offers a great opportunity to explore these fields. The program begins with an interactive, online course that runs from November to February, introducing you to topics like aerospace engineering, planetary science, and space exploration. This self-paced portion challenges you to solve problems and think critically about real-world space science scenarios.
Students who complete the online portion are invited to a week-long summer experience at a NASA center, where they work in teams to design a mission to Mars. This hands-on project allows students to collaborate with NASA engineers and scientists, tour NASA facilities, and apply their newfound knowledge in a real-world setting.
3. The Summer Science Program (SSP)
SSP gives you a 39-day immersive experience in experimental science. You’ll work in a team of three on research projects like mapping the orbit of near-Earth asteroids while being part of a supportive community of 24-36 students and 8 faculty members.
The program helps you build practical skills like time management and explore STEM careers. When you complete SSP, you’ll join a global network of over 3,700 alumni. Need-based financial aid is available to make the program accessible to everyone.
Application Deadline: International applicants: January 24, 2025; Domestic applicants: February 21, 2025
Program Dates: Mid to late June 2025 (39 days)
Cost: Program fee applies; financial aid available
Location: Multiple campuses: New Mexico State University, University of Colorado Boulder, Georgia College & State University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in STEM fields. No specific prerequisites are required.
4. Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA)
If you’re passionate about space and science, the Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) offers a great opportunity to explore the cosmos. The program begins with two weeks of online study, followed by a four-week residential session at Yale University.
During your time at Yale, you’ll engage in hands-on research using telescopes at the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium. You’ll collaborate with peers and mentors, culminating in a scientific paper and presentation. This program lets you explore astrophysics in-depth and connect with experts and fellow students.
Application Deadline: March 7, 2025, 11:59 PM EST
Program Dates: Online: June 23 – July 4, 2025; Residential: July 6 – August 3, 2025
Cost: $7,500 (covers academic tuition, room and board, field trips, project costs, instructional materials, computer fees)
Location: Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, Yale University, New Haven, CT
Eligibility: Rising seniors (juniors at application), at least 15.5 years old by July 6, 2025. Must be available for online study from June 23 to July 5, 2025.
5. Space Academy® – US Space and Rocket Center
If you ever wondered what it’s like to be an astronaut, The Space Academy at US Space and Rocket Center lets you experience it firsthand. This 6-day program in Huntsville Alabama offers an immersive experience in space exploration, science, and technology.
You’ll train like an astronaut, working in teams to simulate missions to destinations like the International Space Station, the Moon, or Mars. You’ll tackle technical problems, manage communication, and complete engineering challenges. In addition to mission simulations, you’ll operate the 1/6th Gravity Chair (simulating the Moon’s gravity) and the Multi-Axis Trainer (simulating motion sickness during space travel). You’ll also design, build, and launch your rockets, gaining engineering skills.
Application Deadline: N/A (Ongoing enrollment)
Program Dates: Varies by session, but typically starts in summer
Cost: From $1,899
Location: US Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Eligibility: Open to trainees aged 12-14
6. Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA (REACH) for High School Students
The Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA (REACH) is a 3-week program designed for you to gain hands-on experience in astronomy research. The program begins with training in Python programming and basic astronomy concepts, followed by research projects based on ongoing studies at CIERA.
You’ll also take part in extracurricular activities like college and career panels and solar observing. If you want to dive deeper into research, you can extend the program with REACH Further, where you’ll work on an independent project under the mentorship of a CIERA astronomer for an additional 3 weeks.
Application Deadline: March 3, 2025
Program Dates: Core Program: June 16 – July 3, 2025 (Session 1); Core Program: July 7 – 25, 2025 (Session 2)
Cost: Core Program: $2,500; REACH Further: $1,500
Location: Northwestern University, Chicago, IL (on-campus and virtual components)
Eligibility: Open to high school students (rising sophomores through seniors).
7. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth: Astrophysics Course
The Astrophysics course at Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) explores the physical laws that govern the universe. This residential program covers topics like stellar evolution, neutron stars and black holes, and the structure of galaxies, including the Milky Way. You’ll also work on calculations of cosmic distances using Hubble’s Law and study modern cosmology theories like the Big Bang. The course provides a thorough understanding of how the universe operates, from the life cycle of stars to its ultimate fate.
Application Deadline: May 2, 2025. After this date, contact [email protected] for registration, subject to eligibility and seat availability.
Program Dates: Dates: Summer 2025 (specific dates not provided)
Cost: Residential: $7,501; Commuter: $6,701; Additional Fees: $180
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Eligibility: Grades 7–11, advanced CTY-level students, residential option for eligible participants.
8. Columbia University Pre-College Program: Astronomy and Astrophysics
The Astronomy and Astrophysics at Columbia University takes you from the ancient roots of astronomy to modern astrophysics. You’ll study Newton’s and Kepler’s laws, orbital dynamics, space travel mechanics, and the nature of light, matter, and nuclear physics. You’ll apply these concepts to explore the sun, solar system, galaxies, and how chemical elements are created. The course ends with a look at dark energy and the ultimate fate of the universe.
Application Deadline: Specific deadline not provided; application recommended before program start.
Program Dates: Summer B: July 22–August 8, 2025, Monday–Friday, 9:10–11:00 a.m. & 1:10–3:00 p.m. ET.
Cost: Please refer to the official Columbia Pre-College Programs website for updated cost information.
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Eligibility: 1 year of chemistry and physics recommended, math proficiency required, open to grades 9-12.
9. NASA OSTEM Internship
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students to work on projects in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. You’ll collaborate with mentors, including research scientists and engineers, to gain hands-on experience while contributing to NASA’s mission. The internships can be full-time or part-time and can take place at a NASA facility or remotely, giving you flexibility. This program also offers networking, skill development, and valuable insights into STEM careers.
Application Deadline: Summer 2025: Feb. 28, 2025; Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Paid internship
Eligibility: High school and college students; Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
11. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University offers a seven-week summer research experience for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors. During this intensive program, you’ll engage in hands-on research under the mentorship of experienced faculty members.
The program covers various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and physics. If you’re interested in astronomy, you can explore topics like the role of dark matter and dark energy in the universe’s evolution. You’ll also study the factors that affect the habitability of celestial bodies in our solar system.
Program Dates: June 22, 2025 to August 7, 2025
Cost: Free, $750 stipend upon completion of the program
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Eligibility: Must be 17 by start date, graduating in 2025/2026, and a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Bonus Program:
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Astronomy Track
Lumiere was founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford to provide high school students with opportunities for advanced research through its Research Scholar Programs. You work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to create a university-level research paper.
Astrophysics is a popular area of focus, with nearly 400 students having explored topics in this field. Past projects have examined the role of Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the universe’s evolution and analyzed factors affecting the habitability of planets and moons.
These fully online programs are flexible in duration, adapting to your research goals and depth of study. While they span diverse subjects, from STEM to non-STEM areas like AI and business, astrophysics remains a key highlight.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Winter Cohort II application deadline is December 29, 2024!
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, Fall: September – December, Winter: December – February, Spring: March – June.
Location: Remote (open to students worldwide)
Eligibility: All high school students may apply.
