If you’re interested in studying celestial objects and phenomena, an astronomy research program can provide a valuable experience! Research programs offer opportunities to study the universe, analyze astronomical data, and work with telescopes and simulations. Areas of study may include stellar astronomy, extrasolar planets, galaxy formation, dark matter, dark energy, and cosmic explosions.
Many research programs also cover theoretical simulations, observational techniques, electromagnetic radiation, and high-energy particles. You’ll also learn to design experiments, interpret data, and present your findings.
Finding the right program can be challenging, so we’ve compiled a list of 18 astronomy research programs for high school students!
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: The exact cost is available upon submitting an interest form, and full financial aid is offered.
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort:
- Spring: February 16
- Summer: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)
Dates:
- Spring: March 3 onwards
- Summer: June 16 onwards
- Lab dates are flexible, but applications must be submitted at least four weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.67 GPA can apply. Most accepted students are in the 10th or 11th grade. Some tracks have specific prerequisites, which can be reviewed here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in various fields, including physics, pathology, data science, political theory, chemistry, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and psychology. With over 1,000 participants and more than 600 research specializations, you can choose between qualitative and quantitative research methods. If you’re interested in astronomy, Horizon offers three astronomy research projects using machine learning, such as 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 mentored by a professor or PhD scholar from a recognized university. You will also complete a 20-page university-level research paper by the end of the program, which may be submitted to academic journals. The program also includes expert guidance, a letter of recommendation, and detailed feedback to support college applications and future research. You can apply here!
2. NASA and UT Austin’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program
Location: Offered virtually or in person at the University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid
Application Deadline: February 22
Dates:
- SEES distance learning modules run from May 1 to July 1.
- Remote project work with mentor guidance takes place from June to July 5.
- Virtual projects: June – July 19
- On-site projects at UT: July 6 – July 19
- The SEES Virtual Science Symposium will be held from July 21 to July 22.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors who are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, and have not previously participated as SEES interns
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences (SEES) High School Summer Intern Program, a collaboration between NASA and the University of Texas at Austin, offers students hands-on experience in NASA research. You’ll begin virtual learning activities on May 1, which must be completed by July 1 to remain eligible for the internship. Internships, either virtual or on-site, involve working with NASA experts to analyze and visualize data.
Project topics vary each year, and virtual internships follow schedules outlined in project descriptions. Researchers at UT’s Center for Space Research lead studies in astronomy, Earth systems, engineering, remote sensing, and planetary science. Astronomy projects may involve studying the scale of the universe and using astronomy tools to analyze real data. You’ll contribute to Citizen Science projects, such as identifying pulsars from radio emissions or searching for extreme galaxies, helping astronomers examine large datasets to study star formation, galaxy types, and object frequencies. You will also receive a NASA certificate upon completing the program.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990.
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by cohort. The upcoming deadline for the summer cohort is March 9.
Dates: The program offers four cohorts: summer (June–August), fall (September–December), winter (December–February), and spring (March–June).
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to develop an independent research project in a field of their choice with guidance from a Ph.D. mentor.
Throughout the program, you will work with your mentor and a writing coach to choose and refine your research topic while participating in workshops on research methods. The program covers various fields, including history, physics, engineering, anthropology, sociology, economics, data science, chemistry, gender studies, and more. You can customize your research focus if none of the available topics match your interests. For details on the application process, you can check here.
4. Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA)
Location: The program begins with a two-week online self-study phase, followed by a four-week residential experience at Yale’s Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium in New Haven, CT
Cost: $8,000 for the 6-week program, covering all program aspects except travel and personal expenses. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: March 8
Dates: The six-week program usually takes place from June to August;
- Two weeks online: June 23 – July 4
- Four weeks in person: July 6 – August 3
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are at least 15.5 years old by July 6
The Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) is a six-week program for 32 rising high school seniors interested in science, math, and astrophysics. Held at the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium (LFOP), the program consists of two parts: a two-week online self-study followed by a four-week residential experience. The online portion introduces the fundamentals of observational astronomy and Python programming to prepare you for the on-campus phase.
During the residential program, you will take classes covering observational astronomy, telescope optics, spectroscopy, stellar astrophysics, CCD imaging, photometry, and stellar evolution. You will stay in a dormitory located 0.8 miles from the planetarium. You will also gain practical experience in programming, data analysis, and using telescopes to collect data for research projects. The program concludes with a presentation of your findings in a scientific paper at the YSPA mini-conference. Past participant experiences can be found here.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Location: Offered at several lab locations across the country
Cost/Stipend: Free; new participants receive a $4,000 stipend, and returning participants receive $4,500.
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: The internship lasts eight weeks during the summer, with an 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, including graduating seniors. You should check if your selected lab has any additional requirements or exceptions.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides high school students with internships in STEM fields, working alongside Navy scientists and engineers. Over eight weeks, you will contribute to naval research projects in the Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories, gaining hands-on experience. SEAP offers approximately 300 internships at over 38 labs nationwide and is recognized as a valuable opportunity due to its connection with the U.S. government. Selection is based on academic performance, recommendations, personal statements, and research interests, with placements aligned to individual interests.
If you’re interested in astronomy, internships are available at the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) in Flagstaff, AZ, where you can participate in research on celestial positions and motions, Earth’s movements, and precise timekeeping. This work supports Navy operations, the Department of Defense, and other agencies by providing data for navigation, positioning, and communications, conducting research, and making findings publicly available.
6. CMAP Research Experience for High School Students (REH) at the University of Rochester
Location: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Cost/Stipend: The program is free for all accepted participants, with students receiving either a stipend or academic credit.
Application Deadline: For information on nomination deadlines, you can contact the CMAP program administrator at [email protected].
Dates: The internship usually runs for 4 to 5 weeks during the summer, though program dates may change each year.
Eligibility: Students applying must receive a nomination from a high school teacher in the Rochester City School District or the Pittsford Central School District.
The Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures (CMAP) Research Experience for High School Students at the University of Rochester is a one-month summer internship where you will engage in research while experiencing campus life. The program focuses on areas such as high-energy-density physics, planetary science, and Python programming.
Throughout the internship, you will observe experimental demonstrations and collaborate with graduate students from the university’s physics and astronomy departments on research projects. The program concludes with a research poster presentation. You will also have the opportunity to tour the campus and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. Additionally, the program provides guidance on college applications and explores various STEM career paths.
7. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Interns may work remotely or on-site at one of NASA’s 10 field centers, depending on the project.
Cost/Stipend: Free; interns may receive a stipend depending on their academic level and session length.
Application Deadline:
- Fall 2025: May 16
- Spring 2026: September 12
- Summer 2026: February 27
- Fall 2026: May 22
Dates: These internships are offered in three sessions, with dates depending on the specific 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 who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers internships for high school and college students. It provides mentorship, training, and career development in fields such as science, IT, business, and engineering. As an intern, you will work on projects in astronomy, space science, robotics, engineering, and outreach. Your tasks may involve data analysis, experiment design, and technology development.
You will collaborate with researchers, track celestial bodies, assist with mission preparations, and attend lectures by astronauts and astronomy experts. The program helps you build skills for academic and career advancement. High school internship opportunities can be found using specific filters.
8. REACH (Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students) Program at Northwestern University
Location: Northwestern University, Cook County, IL
Cost:
- The Core Program costs $2,500, with an additional $1,500 for the REACH Further extension. Need-based financial assistance is available.
- Students must arrange their transportation, as the program is daytime-only and does not provide housing. CTA transit passes are also available for students.
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates:
- Core Program: June 16 – July 3 | July 7 – July 25
- REACH Further: July 7 – July 25 | July 28 – August 15
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors can apply. No prior experience in programming or astronomy is required for the Core Program, but completion of the Core Program is necessary to attend REACH Further.
Northwestern University’s REACH Program offers hands-on astronomy research experience for high school students through team-based learning, training, and mentorship from professional scientists. The program includes a three-week Core session focused on Python programming, research skills, and astronomy topics, followed by REACH Further, a selective three-week extended research project with a mentor.
In the Core program, you will work with CIERA astronomers, develop programming skills using astronomy-related tools, and complete research-based mini-projects. Activities also include a college and career panel, solar observations at Dearborn Observatory, and social events. Students in REACH Further will conduct independent research under a CIERA mentor. Participation in the Core program is required to join REACH Further.
9. George Mason University – NASA Data Science Analysis and Scholarly Research Paper Writing
Location: Virtual; with optional in-person sessions at George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus, VA
Cost/Stipend: The program fees are not listed on the website, but students can contact [email protected] for more information.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Dates: June 14 – August 30
Eligibility: All high school students
The Young Scholars NASA Data Science Analysis and Research Paper Program gives high school students hands-on experience in NASA space data science and statistical analysis. You will collaborate on NASA missions, develop research papers, and engage in lectures, virtual telescope observations, and a five-week research period. The program includes live meetings, study sessions, and mentorship to support students in writing a professional research paper.
This year’s projects focus on analyzing exoplanet candidates from NASA’s TESS mission and data from the James Webb Space Telescope. You will use professional tools and statistical techniques to validate exoplanet candidates, contributing to NASA’s follow-up program. Your findings will help determine which candidates are genuine orbiting exoplanets.
With guidance from George Mason faculty, you will write scholarly papers based on your research. Completed research papers may be published on George Mason University’s Schar School Young Scholars Journals web page. Only 50 students are accepted into the program.
10. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; students opting for on-campus housing must pay $2,360.25 for accommodation and meals, along with at least $500 for additional meal expenses. A stipend is provided, though the amount is unspecified.
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program offers high school juniors the chance to conduct independent research in STEM fields. You can choose up to three areas of interest or preferred mentors. Research fields for 2025 include Computer Science, Atmospheric Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacological Sciences, Biochemistry, Orthopaedics, Cell Biology, Neurobiology, Mathematics, Geosciences, Astronomy, Engineering, and more.
If you are interested in astronomy, you can explore research opportunities in the Physics & Astronomy department. You’ll work in areas like machine learning in near-field optics, optical interference in holography, simulations, geometric optics, and quantum material research.
Working with a faculty mentor and research group, you will develop a project while gaining experience in lab techniques, experiment design, and research methods. The program includes faculty talks, lab tours, workshops, and special events. You will present your work in a research abstract and poster at the final symposium. Admission is highly competitive, with a 5% acceptance rate.
11. UPenn Experimental Physics Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,949 + a non-refundable $100 application fee; students attending a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school may qualify for a Penn Summer Scholarship, covering the program’s cost.
Application Deadline: April 27
Dates: July 5 – July 26
Eligibility: Students currently in 9th–11th grade with a minimum GPA of 3.5
The University of Pennsylvania’s Experimental Physics Research Academy introduces high school students to key physics concepts, including quantum dynamics, astrophysics, mechanics, and electromagnetism through lectures, hands-on activities, projects, and discussions. As this is a residential program, students will stay on the UPenn campus and have access to its facilities.
The program starts with an overview of various physics topics, such as kinematics, electricity, nuclear physics, modern physics, and quantum mechanics. It also explores the philosophy of science, experimental design, educational pathways, and ethical considerations in scientific research. Throughout the program, you will learn about ongoing research at Penn through faculty presentations on their areas of expertise. The academy is designed to help you build a strong foundation for college-level physics. More details about the curriculum and alumni experiences can be found here.
12. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Internships are offered 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. The internship is unpaid, and transportation and housing costs are not covered.
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility:
- Interns must be at least 15 years old by the program start date to be eligible for remote, in-person, or hybrid internships in computer labs.
- Interns must be at least 16 years old by the program start date to be eligible for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) provides high school students with research experience at George Mason University and partnering institutions. You’ll use advanced technology across various disciplines while working with faculty researchers. During the 8-week program, you will gain hands-on experience with scientific equipment, explore STEM careers through discussions with industry professionals, and develop skills in scientific writing, communication, and problem-solving. If you choose astronomy, research areas may include atmospheric gravity waves, the thermosphere, the ionosphere, satellite data analysis, remote sensing, the NASA Landolt mission, and exoplanet studies.
Previous astronomy projects have explored topics such as limitations of relativistic interstellar travel, planetary civilizations on ocean worlds, and ground-based follow-ups for NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite Mission. More examples of past research projects from the Department of Physics and Astronomy can be found here.
13. The Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy (MIRA’s) Summer Internship Program
Location: Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy, Marina, CA
Cost: $2,000; scholarships are available. Monterey County residents can participate for free.
Application Deadline: The deadline is April 1, but early submission is recommended.
Dates: The program lasts 10 weeks, typically from mid-June to early August.
Eligibility: High school students with a background in science and mathematics can apply, with juniors and seniors being the most common applicants, though well-qualified students at any level are eligible.
The Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy (MIRA) offers a summer internship program for high school students to engage in research on topics such as star formation, unusual stellar atmospheres, earth-threatening asteroids, gravitational lenses, comets, and stellar flares.
With a 1:1 student-to-mentor ratio, you will work closely with a professional astronomer each day. Activities include analyzing data, observing celestial objects at the Oliver Observing Station, designing and building research instruments, and preparing telescopes for nighttime observations. Past interns have contributed to discovering T Tauri stars in the Pelican Nebula, observed explosive stars, and identified new comet trails using NASA infrared data. Through the program, you will develop key astronomy skills, gain specialized knowledge, and learn to operate advanced equipment.
14. Astronomy and Astrophysics Science Summer Academy at Rutgers University
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick campus, NJ
Cost: $1,899 (Commuter program)
Application Deadline: The deadline is April 14 for international students and May 16 for domestic students.
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors aged 16–18
The Astronomy and Astrophysics Science Summer Academy at Rutgers University is a commuter program where high school students explore astronomy and astrophysics through lectures and hands-on activities. You will study topics in astronomy, planetary science, astrophysics, and cosmology while developing skills in observation, analysis, and scientific reasoning. Activities include creating star maps, analyzing simulated telescope data, and conducting independent research.
Graduate students in astrophysics will provide guidance on succeeding in an astronomy or physics degree, and you will learn about ongoing astrophysical research at universities across the U.S. Discussions will cover the history of scientific discovery, recent breakthroughs in space exploration, and the real-world applications of astronomy. The program also emphasizes science communication, collaborative projects, and critical evaluation of astronomical phenomena.
15. Summer Science Program
Location: The program is offered at multiple locations
Cost/Stipend:
- The program fee is $9,800, with need-based financial aid available for students from lower-income families.
- A limited number of $3,000 “lost wages” stipends are also available upon request at the time of admission for students who would otherwise need to work during the summer.
Application Deadline: The deadline is January 24 for international applicants and February 21 for domestic applicants.
Dates: All programs start in mid-June, with specific dates depending on the program and campus. Multiple one-week sessions are available between June 8 and August 10.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who will meet the prerequisites by summer and be between 15 and 18 years old during the program.
The Summer Science Program gives high school juniors hands-on experience in experimental science. Over 39 days, you will work in teams of three alongside 36 or 24 participants and 8 faculty members to complete a real research project using original data. In 2024, 12 programs were offered in astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, and synthetic chemistry at various universities. In this year’s astrophysics program, you will focus on Asteroid Orbit Determination, selecting an asteroid, using a telescope to capture images, processing the data, and calculating its orbit.
You can also explore STEM careers and develop practical skills like time management that are valuable for college and beyond. The program moves at an accelerated pace, but the faculty provides individual support. The collaborative environment is reinforced by the absence of grades or tests.
16. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program
Location: Virtual or in person at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) in Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; participants receive a stipend funded by the City of Cambridge.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024-2025 SRMP cohort are closed and are expected to reopen in May 2025 for the 2025-2026 cohort.
Dates: The program runs from September to May and includes weekly meetings.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
The Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program offers high school students the opportunity to work on a year-long astrophysics project with scientists from Harvard or the Smithsonian Center. Each year, 10–16 students are selected and grouped into teams of 2 or 3 per mentor to work on research projects together.
Throughout the program, you will attend monthly workshops and lectures to build your knowledge and skills. You will also have monthly advisory sessions to discuss your progress with the SRMP team. The program concludes with a symposium where you will present your research through posters and presentations. This experience will allow you to engage in hands-on research and collaborate with scientists from various fields.
17. The SDSU STARS Program
Location: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Cost: The official website does not specify the cost of the program.
Application Deadline: TBA
Dates: June 24 – July 5 | July 8 – July 19 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, recent high school graduates, community college students, and first- or second-year SDSU undergraduates who are based in the San Diego area
The San Diego State University Training Astronomy Research Scholars (STARS) Program is a four-week summer opportunity for local high school students to engage in astronomy research. You will gain hands-on experience using scientific instruments, programming, and operating advanced telescopes at Mount Laguna Observatory. You will present your research findings at the end of the program.
You will work with faculty and students from SDSU’s Department of Astronomy on projects focused on galaxy formation, binary star systems, and supernovae. Working in small groups of 3-4, you’ll also take part in occasional evening observing sessions. The program emphasizes computer programming, critical thinking, and academic exploration. Sessions run from 9 am to 2 pm on weekdays, with only 15 students selected each year.
18. NASA Johnson Space Center’s Texas High School Aerospace Scholars
Location: Virtual or in person at Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: October 16
Dates: This is a year-long program;
- Student Orientation: October 22 and October 24
- Online course: October 28 – April 4
- Summer Virtual Moonshot Experience: June 2 – June 6 | June 9 – June 13
- Residential Experience: Late July
- You can check out other important dates here.
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens living in Texas
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) is a year-long program for Texas high school juniors, beginning with a five-month online course on space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics. The online course includes interactive lessons on NASA topics, design challenges such as 3D modeling, discussion posts, quizzes in science and math, and technical writing assignments. You will also take part in virtual discussions with NASA engineers and scientists.
Students who achieve a minimum overall score of 70% in the coursework may qualify for the virtual summer program (Moonshot). This team-based experience focuses on an Artemis-themed mission, where you’ll collaborate with NASA mentors on Moon to Mars exploration and related engineering challenges. Upon completing the online portion, students receive documentation for 0.5 science elective credit. Those who also finish the summer program earn an additional 0.5 science elective credit. The highest-performing teams from Moonshot will be invited to an all-expenses-paid residential experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Image source: NASA
