Astronomy programs for high school students provide structured opportunities to explore how scientists study the universe. These programs often combine conceptual learning with technical skills such as telescope observation, astrophysical data analysis, and computational modeling. Depending on the program, you might analyze stellar spectra, study exoplanet transit data, or learn how cosmological simulations are built.
If you’re looking specifically for astronomy programs for high school students in Indiana, you’ll find a mix of university-led initiatives, observatory outreach programs, and interdisciplinary STEM experiences. Many astronomy programs for high school students in Indiana also integrate physics, engineering, and computational tools used in modern astrophysics. Some programs emphasize observational astronomy, while others introduce research workflows, coding environments, and scientific communication. These experiences can help you understand how astronomers study planetary systems, galaxies, and cosmology.
Why should you choose a program in Indiana?
Indiana offers access to several universities with active physics and astronomy departments, including research observatories and outreach initiatives. Many astronomy programs for high school students in Indiana are connected to university labs, allowing you to engage with faculty, graduate students, and research-grade equipment. Additionally, many programs integrate related disciplines such as aerospace engineering, computational physics, and atmospheric science. This interdisciplinary structure reflects how astronomy research is conducted in professional settings.
Below is a curated list of 13 astronomy programs for high school students in Indiana. If you’re looking for broader opportunities, you may also want to explore our guides on astronomy research programs for high school students here and the best summer programs in Indiana for high school students here.
13 Astronomy Programs for High School Students in Indiana
1. Earlham Pre-college: Encounter with the Cosmos
Location: Earlham College, Richmond, IN
Cost: $2,000 | Financial aid available
Dates: June 14–19
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Rising U.S. high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors | Class size is capped at 15 students
This astronomy program for high school students in Indiana introduces you to observational astronomy through a mix of lectures and hands-on analysis. You use remote robotic telescopes to capture images and work with real astronomical data to study planets, stars, and galaxies. The curriculum emphasizes scientific techniques such as measurement, data interpretation, and understanding large-scale cosmic structures. Alongside the academic component, you experience a condensed version of college coursework, including direct instruction from faculty.
2. University of Notre Dame’s PING (Physicists Inspiring the Next Generation)
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Stipend: $400
Dates: July 6–17
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Local high school students
Offered as part of a broader astronomy and physics initiative in Indiana, this program places high school students in a research-oriented learning environment. You develop foundational skills such as experimental design, coding, and data analysis through structured workshops. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to a collaborative research project, where you investigate a question related to modern physics or astronomy. The experience also includes exposure to active research spaces, including observatories and specialized laboratories.
3. Purdue University’s Friday Night at the Observatory
Location: Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost: Free
Dates: Third Fridays monthly
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students and community members
This recurring astronomy program in Indiana gives high school students regular access to expert-led discussions on space science topics. Each session begins with a presentation that introduces concepts ranging from stellar evolution to space technology. When conditions allow, you participate in guided stargazing sessions using observatory equipment alongside faculty and student groups. Topics vary across sessions, exposing you to different areas within astronomy and related fields.
4. Saturday Morning Astrophysics at Purdue (SMAP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Third Saturdays monthly
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12
Designed as an accessible astronomy program for high school students in Indiana, SMAP combines live sessions with interactive activities you can complete remotely. Each session focuses on a specific topic, such as pulsars, cosmology, or planetary systems, and introduces the scientific principles behind them. You engage with demonstrations, guided experiments, and discussions that explain how astronomers study complex phenomena. Some sessions include working with simplified versions of real data, such as identifying exoplanets using the transit method.
5. University of Notre Dame’s QuarkNet Research Experience for High School Students
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: Free
Dates: June 29–July 24
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Rising seniors
This astronomy-focused research program in Indiana introduces high school students to particle physics and its connection to understanding the universe. You work with real data from international experiments, including those linked to major research centers like CERN and Fermilab. The program emphasizes core physics concepts such as energy, momentum, and the structure of matter, building a foundation for more advanced study. You also collaborate with a network of physicists, educators, and students, reflecting how large-scale scientific research is conducted.
6. Charles W. Brown Planetarium Volunteers and Interns
Location: Charles W. Brown Planetarium, Muncie, IN
Stipend: Interns are paid
Dates: Semester-based
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed at the start of each semester
Eligibility: Students who are 16+ and have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Through this Indiana astronomy program, high school students can engage with astronomy in a public education setting. As a volunteer or intern, you contribute to planetarium operations by assisting with events, presentations, and visitor interactions. Training sessions led by the planetarium director introduce you to both the technical and communication aspects of science outreach. You may also support behind-the-scenes tasks, offering a broader understanding of how planetarium programs are developed and delivered.
7. Valparaiso University’s Beacon Engineering Academy
Location: Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
Cost: $800 (Overnight) | $400 (Day) | Partial scholarships available
Dates: June 21–27 (overnight) | June 22–26 (day)
Application Deadline: May 3
Eligibility: 9th–11th graders
Although primarily an engineering-focused program in Indiana, this experience includes elements relevant to astronomy, such as aerospace mission design. You explore topics such as satellite systems and high-altitude data collection while working on hands-on projects. One component involves designing and testing a balloon payload to gather and analyze telemetry data, connecting engineering concepts with space science applications. You also use tools such as CAD software and programming, which are commonly used in aerospace and astronomy.
8. IU Bloomington’s Jim Holland Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Cost: $125
Dates: July 12–19
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders with a minimum 3.2 GPA who have/are taking math and science courses
This residential program integrates high-achieving students into active research laboratories at Indiana University. You work on a specific research component, which can include topics in physics or atmospheric sciences. Mentors will guide you through the scientific method, emphasizing the technical skills needed for academic research. You’ll also receive training before beginning your research. You’ll be required to document your laboratory procedures and communicate your findings during a formal poster session.
9. Indiana 4-H Aerospace Program
Location: Statewide
Cost: Varies by county
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 3-12
This long-running aerospace curriculum introduces high school students in Indiana to foundational concepts related to flight and space science. You work through structured project levels that cover topics such as aerodynamics, rocket construction, and safe launch practices. Activities are hands-on and often involve building and testing models to understand scientific principles in action. You also engage with emerging areas such as drone technology, expanding the scope beyond traditional rocketry.
10. IU Indianapolis’ STEM Summer Camp
Location: Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
Cost: $375
Dates: June 8–11
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students | Limited to 30 students
While broader in scope, this STEM program in Indiana includes content relevant to astronomy through its focus on physics and space science. You might explore how fundamental principles of matter and energy apply to large-scale phenomena such as star formation and galaxy evolution. Hands-on lab sessions introduce you to experimental methods and scientific tools used across disciplines. The structure shows how astronomy connects with other fields such as mathematics and environmental science.
11. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s Operation Catapult
Location: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Cost: $2,700
Dates: Session 1: June 8–18 | Session 2: June 22–July 2 | Session 3: July 14–24
Application Deadline: April 20
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who have completed a year of chemistry or physics
This STEM program in Indiana offers high school students opportunities to explore physics concepts that underpin astronomy and space science. You participate in experiments such as rocket motor testing and wind-tunnel analysis related to aerospace and planetary studies. You also work with specialized equipment, gaining exposure to tools used in scientific and engineering research. Collaborative projects require you to design, build, and test systems, reinforcing both analytical and technical skills.
12. Zooniverse
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Open enrolment
Eligibility: Open to all
Zooniverse is an online program that allows volunteers to participate in real scientific research projects. Students interested in astronomy can contribute by classifying images and datasets from areas such as galaxy formation, asteroid detection, and exoplanet discovery. Many projects involve analyzing telescope data, helping researchers process information that would be difficult to handle at scale. The platform also includes discussion spaces where you can compare observations and interact with both peers and researchers.
13. Indiana Astronomical Society
Location: Indiana Astronomical Society, Indianapolis, IN
Cost: $10 (student-membership)
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Open enrolment
Eligibility: Open to all
The Indiana Astronomical Society offers high school students the opportunity to engage with astronomy through community-based observation and learning activities. You can participate in public stargazing events, where you use telescopes to observe planets, star clusters, and other celestial objects while learning how to navigate the night sky. The organization also hosts meetings and workshops that introduce topics such as observational techniques, astrophotography, and basic astronomy concepts. Through these sessions, you gain exposure to both the practical and theoretical aspects of the field, making it accessible whether you are new to astronomy or looking to build on existing knowledge.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re interested in conducting independent research in astronomy, planetary science, or astrophysics, 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 Notre Dame