Astrophysics summer programs for high schoolers offer a unique opportunity for students to dive deeply into the study of the universe, from the behavior of celestial bodies to the fundamental forces shaping our cosmos. These programs are designed to challenge you with advanced concepts in physics, mathematics, and data analysis, helping you develop a strong skill set in scientific inquiry and problem-solving.
As a participant, you will also gain hands-on experience working with real astronomical data, using telescopes, and engaging in sophisticated simulations - which is a pretty solid skill set to have before college!
Here are 10 astrophysics summer programs for high school students, including research programs in astrophysics, internships, and pre-college programs!
1. Horizon — 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, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more!
Horizon provides astronomy enthusiasts with three distinct research opportunities:
- ML in Astronomy: Simulation of CMB — Explore the early conditions of the universe by simulating the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), the relic radiation from the Big Bang.
- ML in Astronomy: Galaxy Spectra Analysis — Use data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) to analyze galaxy spectra, offering insights into galactic formation and evolution.
- ML in Astronomy: Exoplanet Light Curves — Leverage Kepler data to study exoplanet light curve behavior, enhancing understanding of 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 Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar — June 24, 2024 — September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar — October 23, 2024 — February 19, 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.
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center offers several astrophysics-related internships, such as analyzing astronomical data, supporting satellite missions, or contributing to research on cosmic phenomena. To find opportunities that fit, you can search for “high school” on NASA’s internship portal. Applying early and networking with former interns can improve your chances of being accepted. A NASA internship provides a unique and educational experience for those passionate about space science.
Location: Varies as per course
Cost: No cost. Stipend available, depending on academic level and session duration
Application deadline: Early March.
Program dates: 10 weeks from late May/early June — August.
Eligibility: Students must be a minimum of 16 years of age, be US citizens and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Lumiere was established by researchers from Harvard and Oxford to offer high school students the chance to engage in advanced research through the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs. Each student collaborates one-on-one with a PhD mentor to produce a university-level research paper. Astrophysics is a particularly popular track, with nearly 400 students having conducted research in this area.
Past projects have included investigations into the role of Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the evolution of the universe, as well as analyses of the factors influencing the habitability of celestial bodies in our solar system. These programs are fully virtual and can be tailored in duration based on the student’s research depth and goals, covering a wide range of topics from STEM to non-STEM fields, including AI and business.
Location: Online
Application deadline: There are four cohorts throughout the year. Applications are due in February, May, September, and December, respectively. Apply here!
Program dates: There are four cohorts throughout the year in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: All high school students may apply.
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University provides 12 high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to participate in a 7-week summer research experience. Students can choose a research topic in the subject of their choice, including astrophysics. During the program, scholars work closely with faculty members, engaging in hands-on research. Upon completing their research project report, scholars receive a $750 stipend. For students seeking a program that emphasizes hands-on research, sharpens critical thinking skills, and offers opportunities to explore career paths with faculty guidance, this program is a strong choice.
Location: Texas Tech University
Cost/Stipend: No cost, the program provides a $750 stipend. On-campus meals, room and board, and weekend activities/programming are covered. Travel to and from the program location, personal expenses, and medical expenses are not covered.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: 7 weeks, June 16, 2024 -August 1, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: At least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in 2023 or 2024 (U.S. and International).
The REACH (Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students) program offers high school students a structured introduction to astronomy research, emphasizing team-based learning and hands-on experience. The program is divided into a 3-week Core session, where students develop essential research skills, including Python programming and a foundational understanding of astronomy. Participants engage in mini-projects related to ongoing research at CIERA and take part in extracurricular activities such as a college/career panel and solar observing at Dearborn Observatory.
For those seeking a more in-depth experience, REACH Further offers a 3-week extension focused on independent research under the guidance of a CIERA mentor. No prior experience in programming or astronomy is required, making REACH an accessible entry point for students interested in exploring the field. Completion of the Core program is a prerequisite for participation in REACH Further.
Location: CIERA (Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics) at Northwestern University
Cost: $2,500 + $1,500 for REACH Further. Full and partial scholarships are available.
Application deadline: March 19, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: Session 1: June 10–28 | Session 2: July 8–26. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students!
The Yale Science & Engineering Program for High School Students (YSPA) offers a comprehensive experience combining research, practical work, and an introduction to college life. Participants, organized into a cohort of 36 students, take classes on observational astronomy, spectroscopy, telescope optics, and related subjects. They use the telescopes at the Leitner Observatory and analyze data in the observatory’s computer lab. Students work in teams of four on a research project, which concludes with the preparation of a scientific paper and presentation. Some of these projects have been published in scientific journals.
Location: Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium at Yale University
Cost: $6,900. Limited, need-based financial aid is available usually ranging from 50–80%
Application deadline: March 8, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: 2-week directed self-study online from June 24 — July 5, 2024, followed by a four-week residential program from July 7 — August 4, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Open only to rising seniors who are 15.5 years or older by July 9, 2024.
The Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) program, held each summer at Michigan State University’s campus, is part of the National Science Foundation’s Physics Frontier Centers initiative. This week-long program is designed for students with an interest in astronomy and nuclear physics. Participants engage in hands-on projects at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, a leading rare-isotope laboratory. The program also provides opportunities to interact with professional researchers and gain insight into college life. Students conduct various nuclear physics experiments and collaborate with peers in a focused learning environment.
Location: Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Michigan State University
Cost: Free
Application deadline: TBD for 2025.
Program dates: July 22 — July 26, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: All high school students who are US residents can apply.
The CTY Program at Johns Hopkins University offers a variety of academic courses for middle school students during the summer, including a comprehensive astrophysics course. This course covers fundamental topics in the field, such as the composition of the universe, the construction of patterns among celestial objects, and the influence of physics on stellar evolution. Students also study the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and apply mathematical computations to astrophysical theories. The program provides a broad understanding of astrophysics through both theoretical and practical approaches.
Location: Both virtual and in-person programs are offered. Multiple locations are available depending on the courses selected.
Cost: On-campus summer program tuition ranges from $3,099 to $6,819; Online programs range from $191 to $2,127; financial aid is available.
Program Dates: Varies based on the course(s) selected; online courses are year-round.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program.
Eligibility: Programs are offered for K2–12 students.
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) offers an introductory online astronomy course designed for those interested in exploring our galaxy. This course is part of UCI’s Astronomy & Astrophysics Outreach Program, which includes a tour of UCI’s Observatory and participation in related workshops. The course, taught by Professor Tammy Smecker-Hane, is available during both the Winter quarter and the Summer session, providing flexibility for students to fit it into their schedules.
Location: University of California, Irvine
Cost: $374/unit as well as a 1-time Mandatory Campus Fee of $290.
Application Deadline: June 21, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 24 — August 1 | 10-Week option: June 24 — August 30. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, graduates, and the public.
Columbia University’s Pre-College program offers an in-person summer course on astronomy, taught by Professor James H. Applegate. Held on Columbia’s campus in New York City, the course covers the history of astronomy from its ancient origins to contemporary topics such as extrasolar planets, cosmology, and black holes. The curriculum includes fundamental concepts like Newton’s laws of motion, universal gravitation, Kepler’s laws, orbital dynamics, and space travel. Students also study the nature of light and matter, nuclear physics, and apply these principles to understand the sun, solar system, distant galaxies, element formation, and the expanding universe.
Location: Columbia University
Cost: $2,376 per point
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024.
Program Dates: Session 1: May 20 — June 28, 2024 | Session 2: July 1- August 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Juniors or seniors in high school can apply.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.