Exploring astronomy as a high schooler can be a great way to build on your science and math coursework and apply it to real questions about space. Programs in astronomy can help you do just that! These programs may cover topics like how stars form, how planets move, and what telescopes can tell us about distant objects. Many astronomy programs also give you access to actual research projects, which can be a helpful experience if you’re considering a science-related career. Beyond adding to your technical knowledge, participating in these programs can strengthen your critical thinking and give you a clearer sense of what working in STEM actually looks like.
Why should you choose a program in Florida?
Florida can be a good place to study astronomy and space science. Florida is home to the Kennedy Space Center, one of NASA’s launch facilities, involved in real, active space missions. The state also boasts clear skies, low light pollution in many regions, and a climate that makes year-round observation possible. The state also has world-class research universities like the University of Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, and the University of Central Florida, many of which offer structured STEM-focused learning experiences to high school students. This means you get access to cutting-edge telescopes, planetariums, and faculty who are actively publishing research.
To get you started, we have put together a list of 15 astronomy programs for high school students in Florida.
If you are also curious about other STEM opportunities beyond astronomy, check out our list of research programs for high school students in Florida.
1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Overnight Camps: Aerospace College Credit (ASC 110)
Location: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
Cost: $4,950 + a non-refundable $30 registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 28 – July 17
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students, ages 15 – 18
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Aerospace College Credit program offers you the opportunity to earn three college credits while taking a course, “Introduction to Space Flight,” on campus. Over three weeks, you will explore topics like propulsion theory, orbital mechanics, space policy, and the history of space exploration through a mix of lectures, labs, and hands-on projects. You will also explore related areas such as aerospace engineering, flight operations, and team management, developing a broader understanding of space missions. The experience can help you experience college-level academics and academic expectations focused on STEM coursework.
2. Kennedy Space Center Overnight Adventure
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, FL
Cost: $129 (plus tax)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by location; capacity of 75–200 students/site
Dates: Multiple dates throughout the year; typically conducted as a single overnight experience
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students, ages 10 – 14; applicants must attend as part of a group with chaperones.
The Kennedy Space Center Overnight Adventure is a short, immersive experience where you will spend a night inside one of NASA’s space exploration sites. You will take part in hands-on activities, guided tours, and live science demonstrations that introduce you to the past, present, and future of space exploration. Depending on the chosen experience, you may explore the Saturn V rocket, the orbiter Atlantis, the Space Shuttle Program, or space exploration and real spacecraft over a single night. The following day, you will explore exhibits and attractions across the visitor complex, deepening your understanding of space science.
3. Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) @ Kennedy Space Center
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, FL
Cost: $175 (plus tax)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One-day program; multiple sessions throughout the year
Application deadline: No fixed deadline
Eligibility: Individuals and groups, ages 10 and up; participants under 18 must attend with a participating adult.
ATX at Kennedy Space Center is a one-day program where you will participate in simulations focused on training for space missions. Over four to five hours, you will practice steps like docking spacecraft, navigating Martian terrain, and going on simulated spacewalks in a microgravity environment using advanced virtual and motion-based technology. You will work in teams to solve mission-based challenges, applying real NASA science in a hands-on environment. The program emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and exposure to space science in an engaging, interactive format.
4. Camp Kennedy Space Center (Camp KSC)
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, FL
Cost: $450 (plus tax)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple weekly sessions from May 25 to July 31
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students, ages 7 – 16
Camp Kennedy Space Center is a week-long, in-person STEM camp where you will explore space science and engineering through hands-on activities and simulations. Over five days, you will take part in astronaut-style training experiences, including microgravity simulations, spaceflight, Mars missions, and engineering challenges designed for your age group. You will also engage in team-based activities such as working on STEM challenges, programming rover systems, and exploring a simulated Mars habitat. The curriculum is consistent across sessions but tailored by age group, helping you build relevant STEM skills focused on space science.
5. SKY-CARE Summer Program @ Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Location: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,600 stipend + meals available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; dates TBA
Application deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: High school students from select schools in Volusia County who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The SKY-CARE Summer Program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is an intensive eight-week research experience for high school students. As a participant, you will work closely with mentors on aerospace-related projects. You will be paired with faculty or graduate student researchers to engage in research and participate in activities focused on advanced manufacturing, uncrewed aircraft systems, and air transportation. Additionally, you will participate in lab tours, flight simulator sessions, and professional development activities that introduce you to careers in aerospace. At the end, you will present your research in the form of a poster.
6. Camp Connect @ University of Central Florida
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost: $200 (Camp Connect I and II) | $300 (Advanced)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – 12 (Camp Connect Advanced) | June 22 – 26 (Camp Connect I) | July 13 – 17 (Camp Connect II)
Application deadline: April 24 (Camp Connect Advanced) | May 1 (Camp Connect I) | April 24 (confirmation deadline for Camp Connect II)
Eligibility: Camp Connect I: Rising 8th – 11th graders; Camp Connect II: prior Camp Connect participants; Camp Connect Advanced: rising 10th–12th graders, ages 15 and up
Camp Connect at UCF is a series of week-long engineering camps where you will explore different STEM fields through hands-on activities, lab tours, and team projects. Depending on the camp you choose, you will either get a broad introduction to disciplines like aerospace, civil, and computer engineering or dive deeper into a specific area through a faculty-guided project. You will work in teams to design and present solutions, gaining exposure to both technical concepts and collaborative problem-solving. The Advanced track stands out for its research-style experience, where you get to work closely with faculty on a focused project and build deeper subject knowledge. Throughout the program, you will interact with university students and faculty, getting a clearer sense of what studying engineering in college is like.
7. USF Aerospace Engineering Summer Program
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost: $1,450 (residential add-on available at additional cost)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~30 students
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application deadline: Not specified; registration opens on February 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th – 12th grade students
The USF Aerospace Engineering Summer Program is a week-long, hands-on experience where you will explore the fundamentals of flight, propulsion, and aerodynamics through lab-based learning. You will work with faculty to experiment with jet engines, train on FAA-certified flight simulators, and test drone systems while learning how aircraft are designed and controlled. The program also lets you build and test your own aircraft components using CAD tools and fabrication equipment. Throughout the week, you will collaborate with peers. At the end, you will present your work in a final showcase.
8. Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship
Location: Multiple Lockheed Martin U.S. locations, including in Cape Canaveral, FL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June – August (typically, nine weeks or longer)
Application deadline: Recruitment window: October – January
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up, living within commuting distance of a participating facility; graduating high school seniors are not eligible.
The Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship is a summer program where you get to work with aerospace engineers and scientists on real-world projects in the space and defense industry. Over nine weeks or longer, you will gain hands-on experience through on-the-job training, mentorship, and exposure to advanced technologies used in aerospace systems. You will also participate in professional development workshops, networking events, and facility tours that help you understand careers in STEM. This can be an opportunity to build workplace skills and learn about workflows in an aerospace and defense organization.
9. Research Immersion in Science & Engineering (RISE) @ University of Florida
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $1,200 + $25 application fee; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 7 – 12 | Session 2: July 12 – 17
Application deadline: March 25
Eligibility: High school students entering grade 10; open to U.S. and international students
The RISE program at the University of Florida is a one-week residential experience where you will explore STEM fields through hands-on research, lab work, and interdisciplinary learning. You can indicate your preference for astronomy or aerospace engineering exploration. You will engage in activities like experiments, case studies, field trips, and guest lectures led by UF faculty and graduate students. The program runs themed sessions focused on areas such as engineering or environmental science to help explore how different disciplines approach real-world challenges. You will also find opportunities to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while gaining exposure to current scientific topics and innovations.
10. Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee High School Summer Camp: Planetarium and Kennedy
Location: Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee, Tallahassee, FL + a field trip to Kennedy Space Center
Cost: $495
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students completing 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
This is a one-week astronomy-focused camp conducted at the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee. During the week, you will get to co-create a show in the planetarium, learn about space history, explore aerospace engineering, and study astronomy. At the end of the week, you will complete the show and participate in a full-day trip to Kennedy Space Center. The experience can help you see how science is communicated to different audiences.
11. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: NASA centers across the U.S. + virtual options available
Stipend: Paid; amount varies by opportunities
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10- to 15-week internships offered in spring, summer, and fall
Application deadline: May 22 (fall session); TBA for summer and spring
Eligibility: U.S. students who are at least 16 years old and students enrolled at least part-time in an accredited college or university (undergraduate or graduate) with a minimum GPA of 3.0
NASA’s OSTEM Internships give you the chance to work on real space, science, and engineering projects alongside scientists and engineers. During the internship, you will contribute to active NASA missions or research projects while being mentored by professionals across fields like engineering, computer science, and aeronautics. The experience is structured but flexible, typically lasting about 10 to 15 weeks, and emphasizes both technical work and professional development. You will build skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and communication while gaining insights into how large-scale scientific projects operate.
12. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple AFRL sites across the country, including Eglin AFB in Florida
Stipend: Starts at $506.80/week (check updated details here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer, fall, and spring positions (dates vary by site and project); a minimum commitment of eight weeks is required.
Application deadline: January 10 for summer
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students who are U.S. citizens
The AFRL Scholars Program offers high schoolers the chance to work within U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory facilities on active STEM research projects. As a participant, you will collaborate with scientists and engineers on research at the intersection of astronomy, physics, engineering, and space tech. Your daily tasks may involve running experiments, analyzing data, computational modeling, or developing prototypes, depending on the lab and research focus. You will also tour labs and explore real defense and aviation research environments. This experience also provides early exposure to tech research, federal work environments, and STEM paths in aerospace and defense.
13. Stanford SPINWIP (Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 24
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 11
SPINWIP is a fully funded three-week online program focused on physics, astronomy, and related disciplines. You will attend lectures led by Stanford faculty and researchers and learn about astrophysics, cosmology, quantum physics, and quantum computing. You will also refine skills in Python programming while working on physics projects. You will join small groups led by undergraduates to complete small projects and engage in problem-solving activities. The schedule additionally includes group discussions, research talks, coding sessions, and a final presentation. Workshops on preparing for college and STEM paths are also part of the experience.
14. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote opportunities available
Cost: $25 application fee + $1,299 program fee for three college credits; fee waivers available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students and undergraduates who are at least 15 years old
Offered by George Mason University, ASSIP is a mentored research opportunity designed for high schoolers interested in STEM fields. You can choose a mentor offering a remote research internship within astronomy or physics. Over the course of eight weeks, you will work one-on-one with your mentor and contribute to astronomy research, build scientific writing skills, and explore paths in STEM. The summer experience ends with a symposium, where you will learn about the research conducted at ASSIP over the last eight weeks. At the end, you will earn three credits for participation.
15. George Mason University’s NASA Data Science Analysis and Scholarly Research Paper Writing Program
Location: Hybrid (primarily virtual, with optional in-person events at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA)
Cost: Not publicly shared; you can contact [email protected] for fee details.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students/year(first-come, first-served)
Dates: June 13 – August 29
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
This program offers a hands-on introduction to NASA-related data science research, where you will use real astronomical datasets and produce a full research paper. You will participate in a structured mix of lectures, guided research, and independent analysis focused on exoplanet discovery, using data from NASA missions such as TESS and the James Webb Space Telescope. You will learn how to use Python, Jupyter notebooks, and statistical modeling techniques to analyze observational data and evaluate potential exoplanets. The program also includes telescope observation sessions, small-group collaboration, and mentorship from faculty and researchers. You may also get to present your findings in person at a research conference at George Mason University.
One more option—Horizon Academic Research Program
If you are looking for a competitive mentored research program in an area of your choice, you can consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! It is a selective virtual research program that allows you to engage in advanced research and come up with a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far, offering 600+ research specializations to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source – George Mason University