For high school students curious about astronomy, space, and astrophysics, paid summer programs offer a solid way to enter this field. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on learning, paid programs will encourage you to explore various questions and contemporary developments in astronomy, and pay you a stipend for your efforts!
The astronomy programs in this list will enable you to build relevant skills and gain foundational experience, and network with peers and experts before you apply for undergraduate programs or advanced research projects.
With that, here are 10 paid astronomy summer programs for high school students.
1. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship
Location: NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Available, exact amount not specified
Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: Late May/Early June – August
Eligibility: Full-time high school students who are U.S. citizens, have a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and are at least 16 years old.
NASA’s OSTEM internship is a paid opportunity for high school students to delve into and contribute to the agency’s mission in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. Working alongside researchers, engineers, and other professionals, you will gain hands-on experience, helping you to build your resume and prepare for a career in astronomy. You can work part-time or full-time at a NASA facility. Which facility you work at depends on the project you wish to take up.
2. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Lubbock, TX
Stipend: $750
Deadline: February 24
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 17 years old by the start of the program, will graduate in 2025 or 2026, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Anson L. Clark’s Scholars Program is a 7-week research program for high school students. This selective and intense program involves weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips. Although astronomy is not specifically mentioned in the list of available subject areas, in the past, students have completed their research in the field. Your practical research project will be guided by experienced researchers and faculty.
3. The American Museum of Natural History’s Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: New York, NY
Stipend: $2,500
Deadline: March 8
Program Dates: One year (August – June)
Eligibility: New York City high school students in the 10th or 11th Grade who have passed their classes for the last three or more semesters. Applicants must have completed and/or are taking a course in any of the following programs: AIS (Adventures in Science), SNP (Science and Nature Program), EAP (Early Adventures Program) LANG Program, SAP (Science Alliance Program), or HE³AT (Healthcare, Energy, Education, Environment, Agriculture, and Technology) OR attend one of the partner schools or programs.
The Science Research Mentoring Program is a one-year opportunity for high school students to conduct research with Museum scientists. You will meet with researchers twice a week to investigate a unique topic, some of which investigate astronomy and related fields. In this program, you will develop skills in communication, presentation, and scientific writing; analyze data; read scientific articles; and learn coding and programming. You will also attend special events at the American Museum of Natural History. The program ends with an annual SRMP Symposium where you will present your research and a scientific poster.
4. The Summer Science Program
Location: New Mexico State University, University of Colorado Boulder, Georgia College & State University, or University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Stipend: Limited $3,000 ‘lost wages’ stipend. The program fee depends on family income.
Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: Varies depending on the campus (mid-June – July/August)
Eligibility: High school juniors who have completed the pre-requisites by summer and will be at least 15 years old, but not yet 19, during the program
Working in teams of 3 in the Summer Science Program, high school students will complete a real research project in one of many available subjects, including astrophysics. The research requires you to gather and analyze original data to inform your project. This program is an opportunity to network with like-minded peers while developing your skills in teamwork, scientific communication, and data analysis. The program also includes guest lectures and field trips to a local scientific, cultural, or recreational destination.
5. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Batavia, IL
Stipend: $500/week
Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: July 14 – August 8
Eligibility: Illinois high school senior for the 2025 – 2026 school year or 2025 high school graduate who is a U.S. citizen and can provide proof of medical insurance
Fermilab’s 4-week Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship is an opportunity for high school students to explore careers in STEM and network with professionals in the field. The program covers topics related to astronomy, including quantum science and particle physics, among others. In addition to practical activities, lectures, and tours of Fermilab’s research facilities, you will work towards a research abstract, research poster, and a final presentation. Each week explores a different topic, giving you exposure to various STEM fields.
6. National Air and Space Museum Explainer Program
Location: National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, or at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
Stipend: Not specified
Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years of age, currently enrolled in a diploma or degree-granting program, maintain a 2.7 GPA, are available to work onsite, monthly for a one-year probationary training period, and can maintain active status by working at least 15 hours per month
At the National Air and Space Museum, high school students can support learning and education in space, science, and technology by connecting visitors to the exhibits and artifacts. Using hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, you will introduce visitors to various topics like the forces of flight and humans in orbit. The Explainer program also includes facilitated solar observing and stargazing; drop-in design challenges; and simulators that teach people how to land a space shuttle or show them how a space shuttle toilet works. You can work at the Museum in downtown Washington, DC, seven days a week and at the Udvar-Hazy Center on weekends and holidays according to your academic schedule.
7. Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN)
Location: Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI
Stipend: None
Deadline: Early March
Program Dates: July 20 – 25
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S.
PAN is a week-long program in which high school students will learn about atomic nuclei and their connection to the large domain of astrophysics and cosmology. Understanding research in one of the top rare-isotope laboratories in the world, conducting experiments in nuclear physics, meeting researchers, and exploring careers in science, you will gain exposure to astrophysics, cosmology, and nuclear science.
8. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Stipend: None
Deadline: The preferred deadline is February 1, 2025, and the final deadline is March 1, 2025
Program Dates: 6 weeks from June 21 – August 2, 2025
Eligibility: Students who are in 11th grade at the time of applying, will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Carnegie Mellon’s SAMS program is an opportunity for high school students that helps improve their understanding of STEM via classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and engagement with faculty and staff. The first part of the program is a virtual session to prepare you for the in-person component. The second part of the program is a 6-week in-person programming that will have you attending courses and meetings. The program culminates in a symposium. Past students have worked on projects related to quantum computing and other topics.
9. Yale Online’s Rocket Science for Everyone
Location: Online
Stipend: None
Deadline: Open Enrollment
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: All high school students can apply
An introduction to rocket science and its everyday impact, Yale Online’s Rocket Science for Everyone will teach you about satellite-based technology and its various uses, namely, detailed weather predictions, broadband internet, and GPS. You will learn how rockets work, how satellites are launched, where they orbit Earth, and how they work. Because this is an introductory course, you do not need technical knowledge.
10. University of Colorado Boulder’s Our Place in the Cosmos
Location: Online
Stipend: None
Deadline: Open Enrollment
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: None
At the University of Colorado Boulder’s Our Place in the Cosmos, you will complete a 9-module course to explore the cosmos. This course covers various aspects of astronomy and physics, including questions related to space exploration, remote sensing, the existence of life elsewhere, and the planets in our solar system. With lessons from various professionals in the field, you will examine the role space plays in the world.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in astronomy, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source: University of Colorado, Boulder
