If you’re interested in astronomy, specialized programs that offer hands-on experience may be more helpful for you. Many universities and research centers offer free or fully-funded summer programs for high school students, to help make this field more accessible.
These programs offer opportunities to study the universe’s behavior, understand the forces that shape it, and work with real astronomical data, telescopes, and simulations. Participation in these programs will help enhance your academic profile, explore potential career paths, and connect with experts in the field.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 free astronomy programs for high school students, in areas like astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, astrogeology, and more:
1. NASA Johnson Space Center’s Texas High School Aerospace Scholars
Subject Areas: Earth Science, Technology, Space Exploration, and Aeronautics.
Location: Virtual and in-person at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Cost: Free for all selected participants
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Dates: This is a year-long program.
- Online course: October 28, 2024 – April 4, 2025
- Summer Virtual Moonshot Experience: June 2 – June 6, 2025 | June 9 – June 13, 2025
- Residential Experience: July 2025
- For other important dates, you can check here.
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens residing in Texas
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) is a year-long program for Texas high school juniors, starting with a five-month online learning experience in space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics. Top-performing students are invited to a five-day virtual summer program (Moonshot) mentored by NASA scientists and engineers.
The online portion includes interactive lessons on NASA topics, design challenges like 3D modelling, science and math quizzes, discussion posts, and tech writing assignments. You will also engage in virtual chats with NASA engineers and scientists. If you achieve an overall score of 70% or higher in the online coursework, you may be invited to the summer program. During this gamified experience, you’ll work in teams with NASA mentors on an Artemis-themed mission, focusing on Moon to Mars exploration and related design challenges. On completing the online coursework, you will receive documentation for 0.5 science elective credit. Those who also complete the summer experience earn an additional 0.5 science elective credit.
2. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program
Subject Areas: Astrophysics research
Location: The program is offered either virtually or in person at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) in Cambridge, MA.
Cost/Stipend: The program is free of cost, and participants receive a stipend funded by the City of Cambridge.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024-2025 SRMP cohort are closed, but they are expected to open in May 2025 for the 2025-2026 SRMP cohort.
Dates: The program takes place from September to May, with weekly meetings.
Eligibility: Students from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School enrolled in grades 9–12
The Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program allows high school students to work on a year-long astrophysics project with scientists from Harvard or the Smithsonian Center. Each year, 10–16 students are selected and divided into 5–8 teams to work on research projects together.
Throughout the program, you will attend monthly workshops and lectures to enhance your knowledge and skills. You will also have monthly advisory sessions to discuss your progress with the SRMP team. At the end of the program, you will present your research at a symposium through posters and presentations. This program provides a hands-on research experience and the chance to collaborate with scientists from different fields.
3. Michigan State University’s Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN)
Subject Areas: Astrophysics, Nuclear Science, and Cosmology.
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Application Deadline: March 5, 2025
Dates: July 20 – July 25, 2025
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens can apply.
Michigan State University’s Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) program introduces high school students to the study of atomic nuclei and their connection to astrophysics and cosmology. Sponsored by the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC) user facility, the program provides an in-depth exploration of nuclear science and its applications.
During the program, you will learn about the research conducted at one of the world’s rare-isotope laboratories, explore topics in astrophysics and cosmology, and conduct nuclear physics experiments. The program includes lectures and hands-on experiments led by FRIB faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, you will have the chance to interact with researchers, explore career paths in science, and experience college life.
4. NASA and UT Austin’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program
Subject Areas: Astronomy, Planetary Geology, Astronaut Photography, Aerospace Engineering, Climate Research, Engineering, and Technology.
Location: Virtual or in-person at the University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid
Application Deadline: February 22, 2025
Dates:
- SEES distance learning modules: May 1 – July 1, 2025
- Remote project work with mentor guidance: June – July 5, 2025
- Virtual projects: June – July 19, 2025
- On-site projects at UT: July 6 – July 19, 2025
- SEES Virtual Science Symposium: July 21 – July 22, 2025
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors who are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old by July 5, 2025, and have not previously participated as SEES interns can apply.
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences (SEES) High School Summer Intern Program is a partnership between NASA and the University of Texas at Austin. If selected, you will access SEES virtual learning activities starting May 1, which must be completed by July 1 to remain eligible for the internship. Whether virtual or on-site, you will work with NASA experts to analyze and visualize data, gaining hands-on experience in NASA research.
Project themes change annually, and virtual internships follow timelines specified in project descriptions. Researchers at UT’s Center for Space Research lead studies in astronomy, remote sensing, Earth systems, engineering, and planetary science. Astronomy-focused projects include exploring the scale of the universe and using astronomy tools to work with real data.
You may engage in Citizen Science projects, such as searching for extreme galaxies or identifying pulsars from their radio emissions, helping astronomers analyze large datasets to study star formation, galaxy types, and object frequencies. You will receive a NASA certificate of completion on completing the program.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Subject Areas: Astronomy, Applied Mathematics, Statistics And Probability, Biology, Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Oceanography, Computer Science, Government, Physics, Meteorology, Earth Science, and more.
Location: Opportunities are available at several lab locations across the country
Cost/Stipend: No cost; new participants receive a stipend of $4,000 while returning participants are provided with $4,500
Application Deadline: November 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Dates: The internship runs for eight weeks during the summer, with the option to extend for up to two additional weeks.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least 9th grade, are at least 16 years old, and are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. Graduating seniors can also participate. you should verify if your selected lab has any additional requirements or exceptions.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers high school students internships in STEM fields, guided by Navy scientists and engineers. Over eight weeks, you’ll work on real naval research projects in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories, gaining hands-on research experience. SEAP provides around 300 internships at more than 38 labs across the country and is considered a prestigious opportunity due to its affiliation with the U.S. government. Selection is based on academic performance, recommendations, personal statements, and research interests, with placements matching individual interests.
If you are interested in astronomy, you can opt to work at the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) in Flagstaff, AZ, contributing to research on the positions and motions of celestial bodies, Earth’s movements, and precise timekeeping. The USNO’s work supports Navy operations, the Department of Defense, and other agencies by providing data for navigation, precise positioning, and communications, conducting relevant research, and making findings available to the public.
6. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Subject Areas: Astronomy, Space Science, Space Microbiology, Robotics, Ecology, Aeronautics, Technology, Engineering, and Outreach and Communications.
Location: Depending on the project, interns may work remotely or on-site at one of NASA’s 10 field centers.
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free, and interns may receive a stipend based on their academic level and the session length.
Application Deadline:
- Summer 2025: February 28, 2025
- Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Dates: These internships are available in three sessions, with dates varying based on the opportunity:
- Fall: 16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December
- Spring: 16-week program, from mid-January to early May
- Summer: 10-week program, from late May or early June to August
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old, who are U.S. citizens, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers internships to high school and college students. These internships provide mentorship, training, and career development in science, IT, business, engineering, and more.
As an intern, you will work on various projects, such as astronomy, space science, robotics, engineering, and outreach. Your tasks may include analyzing data, designing experiments, and supporting technology development. You will also collaborate with researchers, monitor celestial bodies, help with mission preparations, and attend lectures from astronauts and astronomy experts. The program is designed to help you develop skills for academic and career growth. You can find available internships for high school students through specific filters.
7. CMAP Research Experience for High School Students (REH) at the University of Rochester
Subject Areas: Python Programming, Planetary Science, and High-Energy-Density Physics.
Location: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Cost/Stipend: The program is free for all accepted participants, and students will either receive a stipend or academic credit.
Application Deadline: For details on nomination deadlines, you can reach out to the CMAP program administrator at [email protected].
Dates: The internship typically lasts 4 to 5 weeks during the summer, but the program dates may vary each year.
Eligibility: Applicants must be nominated by their high school teachers from either the Rochester City School District or the Pittsford Central School District.
The CMAP Research Experience for High School Students at the University of Rochester is a one-month summer internship. In this program, you will experience campus life while working on research in areas like high-energy-density physics, planetary science, and Python programming.
During the internship, you will observe experimental demonstrations and collaborate on research projects with graduate students from the Rochester physics and astronomy departments. You will also have the chance to tour the campus and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. The program offers guidance for college applications and provides insights into various STEM career paths.
10. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Subject Areas: Atmospheric And Marine Sciences, Biomedical Informatics, Computer Science, Neurobiology, Math, Engineering, Medicine, Geosciences, Astronomy, Pharmacological Sciences, Ecology, Physics, and Chemistry.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: The program does not have tuition fees, but participants who choose on-campus housing need to pay $2,781.50 for accommodation and meals. A stipend is provided, although the exact amount is not specified.
Application Deadline: February 7, 2025
Dates: June 30 – August 8, 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old and are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Simons Summer Research Program allows high school juniors to participate in a research project in various STEM fields, such as physics and astronomy. You can select your top three areas of interest or mentors, and once accepted, you will be paired with a mentor and assigned to a research group. During the program, you will learn research methods and work on your project. There are also weekly faculty research talks, workshops, tours, and special events.
As part of the program, you will prepare a research abstract and create a poster to present at the final symposium. The program has a competitive acceptance rate of 5%. For those interested in astronomy, research opportunities are available in areas like optical interference in holography, machine learning in near-field optics, geometric optics, simulations, and quantum material research in the Physics & Astronomy department.
9. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Subject Areas: Cosmology, Python Coding, Quantum Computing, Astrophysics, and Quantum Physics.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: July 8 – 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: High school students who are female or gender minorities in grades 9–11 are eligible. Priority will be given to first-generation students, rising seniors, and those from underrepresented backgrounds in physics.
SPINWIP is a three-week program for high school girls interested in physics and coding. It is hosted by the Stanford Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology. Throughout the program, you will attend lectures by Stanford professors and researchers, work in small groups led by Stanford undergraduates, and take part in workshops focused on college preparation and career development.
The program covers topics such as quantum physics, quantum computing, light, optics, lasers, and cosmology, including black holes, dark matter, and exoplanets. Lectures are accompanied by worksheets and homework to help reinforce key concepts. You will also learn Python coding and apply it to physics-related projects, focusing on NumPy, Boolean logic, and Matplotlib. The program provides an overview of career options in physics and astronomy. You can review the syllabus here.
10. The SDSU STARS Program
Subject Areas: Research, Astronomy, and Computer Programming.
Location: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Cost: The official website does not provide any information about the cost of this program.
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: Session 1: June 24 – July 5 | Session 2: July 8 – July 19 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, recent high school graduates, community college students, and SDSU undergraduates in their first or second year, who are based in the San Diego area
The San Diego State University Training Astronomy Research Scholars Program (STARS) is a four-week summer program for local high school students interested in astronomy research. During the program, you will gain practical experience by working with scientific instruments, programming, and using advanced telescopes at Mount Laguna Observatory. At the end, you will present your research findings.
You will collaborate with faculty and students from SDSU’s Department of Astronomy on projects focused on binary star systems, galaxy formation, and supernovae. You will work in small groups of 3-4 and occasionally take part in evening observing sessions. The program also focuses on skills such as computer programming, critical thinking, and exploring academic paths. Activities are held from 9 am to 2 pm on weekdays, and only 15 students are selected each year.
11. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Subject Areas: Physics, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Geography, Data Sciences, Astronomy, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and more.
Location: Internships are available in remote, hybrid, and in-person formats at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free, but there is a $25 application fee, which may be waived for students with financial need. Transportation and housing costs are not covered, and the internship is unpaid.
Application Deadline: February 2, 2025
Dates: June 18 – August 8, 2025
Eligibility:
- Interns must be at least 15 years old by the program start date to qualify for remote, in-person, or hybrid internships in computer labs.
- Interns must be at least 16 years old by the program start date to qualify for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) offers high school and undergraduate students the opportunity to work with faculty researchers at George Mason University and collaborating institutions, using advanced technology across various disciplines.
During the 8-week internship, you will gain practical experience with advanced technologies and equipment, explore STEM career options through discussions with industry professionals, and work on your scientific writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Past astronomy-related projects have included topics such as Evaluating External Sources of Metals for the Development of Planetary Civilizations on Ocean Worlds, Limitations on High-Speed Relativistic Interstellar Travel due to Interstellar Asteroidal and Cometary Material, and NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite Mission Ground-Based Follow-Ups. You can find more examples of past research projects from the Department of Physics and Astronomy here.
12. CSN Ambassadors of Astronomy Internship Program
Subject Areas: Astronomy, training, and education.
Location: Dale Etheridge Planetarium, Las Vegas, NV
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: The duration and hours of the internship are decided individually, with most interns working for six months.
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students
The Ambassadors of Astronomy internship, offered by the Dale Etheridge Planetarium at the College of Southern Nevada, provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in astronomy.
During the program, you will receive training from planetarium faculty and professionals on the operation of a planetarium. You will be required to work one weekend night every other weekend. Tasks may include giving astronomy presentations to the public, learning to operate astronomy equipment, and assisting with lectures. This internship offers practical experience in public astronomy education and the chance to build connections with mentors. Many past interns have received scholarships related to their field of study.
13. Internship Opportunities at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)
Subject Areas: Human Resources, Accounting, Astronomy, Grants Administration, Data Management, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Finance, Library Sciences, Systems Engineering, Public Outreach, and Program Management.
Location: Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to participate, and a stipend is provided, though the amount may vary depending on the opportunity.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the opportunity.
Dates: The program usually takes place during the summer, but the exact dates may vary depending on the opportunity.
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, and college students residing in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia at the time of employment
The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) offers internship opportunities for high school juniors, seniors, and college students in various roles related to telescope management. As an intern, you can explore positions in astronomy, public outreach, engineering, data management, and more, working with a range of professionals including astronomers, engineers, and educators.
You can specialize in areas like accounting, cybersecurity, finance, human resources, software engineering, and other fields. If working with a research astronomer, you may assist with tasks related to observatory instruments, science data management, user support, or community outreach. You may also have the chance to contribute to research projects in astronomy.
Bonus:
14. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)—Astronomy Track
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Political Theory, Philosophy, Sociology, History, Behavioral Economics, Biophysics, Psychology, Physics, Data Science, International Relations, Network Science, Machine Learning, Environmental Health and Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Political Theory, and more!
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: The deadlines vary depending on the cohort: February 16, 2025, for the spring cohort and May 18, 2025, for the summer cohort.
Dates:
- Spring seminar: March 3, 2025 onwards
- Summer seminar: June 16, 2025 onwards
- Horizon Labs provides flexible start dates, but applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the desired start date.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.67 on a 4.0 scale are eligible to apply. Most accepted students are in 10th or 11th grade. Some tracks have specific prerequisites, which can be checked here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in physics, data science, chemistry, neuroscience, political theory, biomedical engineering, and psychology. You can choose between qualitative or quantitative research methods. If you’re interested in astronomy, Horizon offers three astronomy research projects using ML: simulating the Cosmic Microwave Background, analyzing SDSS galaxy spectra, and studying Kepler exoplanet light curves.
After selecting a subject and research method, you will be paired with a mentor, typically a professor or PhD scholar from a recognized university, who will guide you through the program. By the end of the program, you will write a 20-page research paper at a university level, which may be submitted to academic journals for potential publication. This program provides the chance to research specialized fields with expert support. You will also receive a letter of recommendation and feedback on your work to assist with future research projects and college applications. You can apply here.
15. Lumiere Research Scholar Program—Astronomy Track
Subject Areas: Physics, Psychology, Engineering, Business, Data Science, Economics, Environmental Science, Gender Studies, Computer Science, Chemistry, and more!
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by cohort. The deadline for the upcoming winter cohort is December 29, 2024
Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the fall from September to December, the winter from December to February, and the spring from March to June
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research opportunity for high school students. During the program, you will work with a Ph.D. mentor who will guide you in developing an independent research project in a field of your choice.
You will collaborate with your mentor and a writing coach to select and refine your research topic. The program also includes workshops on research methods, helping you complete an independent research paper. Available fields include history, physics, engineering, economics, data science, anthropology, sociology, chemistry, and more. If you don’t find a topic that fits your interests, you can customize your research focus. For more details about the application process, you can check here.
